Earl Mayes Cannon Jr

Earl Mayes Cannon, Jr. age 90 of Abbeville went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, October 19, 2008. Earl Mayes Cannon, Jr. was born December 4, 1917 to Gladys Dunaway Cannon and Earl Mayes Cannon.He was the grandson of Edna (Sheldon) and Eugene Paul Dunaway and Lola (Ward) and Oscar Cannon. He graduated Abbeville High School and attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.He served in World War II with the 385th AAA.He spent 21 months overseas being in Belgium most of the time.In addition to the good Conduct Medal, Sgt. Cannon was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service from March 1, 1944 to May 8, 1945 serving in four major campaigns from Normandy to Central Germany. Upon returning home, he entered into a farming partnership with his father Earl Sr. and brother Charles.In 1954 he and Charles acquired a dairy operation which continued until his retirement in 1988.He was assisted for 19 years by Vester Spires and they enjoyed a close working relationship and friendship. From his early childhood until his death, he remained a faithful and active member of the Abbeville United Methodist Church.He taught Sunday School for over 70 years teaching the youth and later adult classes.He served as Chairman of the Administrative Board and was active as a lay speaker. He loved Abbeville and the people of Wilcox County and served his community.He was a former member of the Wilcox County Board of Education and served on the Wilcox County Library Board.His hobbies included hunting and he was privileged to own many outstanding coon hounds. He is preceded in death by his parents Gladys and Earl Cannon Sr., his wife- Ruby Lee Carroll and infant daughter Jane, brother James Dunaway Cannon.His surviving siblings are Edna Elizabeth Cannon Love and Charles Silas Cannon.Other survivors include his wife Edna Whelchel Cannon, his three daughters Kay Cannon Faircloth, Carolyn Cannon Wilson (Aubrey), Susan Cannon Cravey (Joseph), grandchildren-Jenny Faircloth Farmer (Matt), Aubrey Cannon Wilson;nieces and nephews include James Oscar Cannon (Jennifer), Ellen Cannon Mizio (John), Shelley Love Sturges (Frank), Bennett Love, Linda Love Tallmadge (Charles) and great nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 7-9 Tuesday at Frazier and Son Funeral Home in Rochelle.Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, October 22, 2008 in the Abbeville United Methodist Church with graveside service to follow at Stubbs Commentary.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Abbeville United Methodist Church, C/O Margie Cannon, 8036 American Legion Road, Abbeville, Ga., 31001 or The Stubbs Cemetery Fund C/O Carol Culpepper, 113 Riverside Dr., Abbeville, Ga. 31001.