Deacon William Henry Cannon
(January 12, 1928 - February 1, 2026)
Viewing Location: Leevy's Funeral Home, 1831 Taylor Street, Columbia, South Carolina
Viewing Date & Time: Friday, February 6, 2026 / 2:00 P. M. - 6:00 P. M.
Funeral Location: First Calvary Baptist Church, 1401 Pine Street, Columbia, South Carolina
Funeral Date & Time: Saturday, February 7, 2026 / 12:00 Noon
Interment Location: Palmetto Cemetery, 5050 Fairfield Road, Columbia, South Carolina
In lieu of flowers, make donations to the First Calvary Baptist Church Capital Campaign in honor of Mr. William Cannon.
Mr Cannon also known as Daddy to me was such a loving and kind man to all. I can still hear his laughter and envision that beautiful smile. A man so filled with knowledge in any field that you can imagine. A constant reader of the past and current events as he relished his time spent on reading the newspaper made of actual paper that you had delivered to your home. Words from the Bible were ingrained in his heart. He spoke and wrote verses that impacted others at the right moment. Word search activities were also favorite activities. He was a family man and friend that had sooooo much love to give. I am honored to have been a guest in this beautiful family’s home and treated with kindness. Daddy, you will be missed! You left a remarkable legacy on your beautiful family, friends, First Calvary Baptist Church, students and neighbors. The list goes on. As others have said, “Keeping it on the road.”!!
Rest in Heavenly Peace my old neighbor from the Wheeler Hill Community
My condolences to the Canon Family. Our families were always close. I have a picture of Erica and Virgil, me and Windy, Milton Jr and Karen McAfee at the Kimpson’s house from long ago. Mr. Cannon was my guidance counselor at A.C. Flora. He used to tell everyone that he worked for me because I was so demanding. I also have a distinct memory of Mr. And Mrs. Cannon at my father’s 80th birthday. I cherish these memories and honor his long and productive life. Godspeed, Mr. Cannon.
To the entire Cannon, family, both near and far:
As William Henry Cannon quietly slipped the surly bonds of life, after 98 glorious years on earth, February 2, 2026. it is with profound sorrow but joy for a life well lived , that I express my thoughts of this gentle man who was known and loved by many across the breadth and depth of the Columbia community. as he hailed from Wheeler Hill on Henderson St. with 8 brothers who attended Booker T. Washington HS.
Mr. Cannon’s pleasant demeanor and gentle spirit was always a part of his personality and endeared him to students that he taught and all who knew him throughout his journey of life in his church and certainly throughout the Greenview community where he lived and thrived.
I met him years ago as my Psychology teacher at the Historic Booker T. Washington HS, but not only him but his brother , Matthew Cannon who was my 8th grade Civics teacher. What a double whammy of kindness and care for one, under the tutelage of brothers. as I am able to reflect circumspectfully on this blessed experience I had as a youth, so many years ago.
Later in life, I encountered the
Cannon brothers at their beloved church, First Calvary Baptist and I continued to be enamored by our friendship over the years as adults. In both instances, I think of the phrase, What Manner of Man, a biblical expression from the Gospel of Matthew, Mark and Luke and also as the title of a book on Dr. M L King written by Lerone Bennett.
Finally, how fortunate for me, a young high school student who encountered the Cannon brothers who were both very fine gentlemen as they impacted my educational journey so positively and productively even to this day.
I will miss William H. Cannon as a good and God-fearing man..
“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”
I can say that William H. Cannon served his purpose in this life without beyond measure.
Giving God all of the glory and honor as he is eulogized today at his beloved First Calvary Baptist Church.
Lovingy submitted, M. L. Kohn
My condolences to the Cannon family.Mr. Cannon was my neighbor for 58 years. He will be missed by all of his neighbors.
My since condolences to the Cannon family. To Ericia, Virgile and Shani. We thank you for sharing your dad with this community. Deacon Cannon was a true servant and man of God. He touched the lives of so many. A wonderful husband, father, teacher, Deacon, and my Boys Scout Master of troop 195 of FCBC. May God provide you with peace during this difficult moment.
I am very saddened to hear of Mr. Cannon’s passing. He and my dad, Charlie Jones, were childhood friends from Wheeler Hill. I have fond memories of visiting his home as a child, and I have a collection of cherished vacation photos of my parents traveling with Mr. and Mrs. Cannon on their senior excursions.
My deepest condolences to the Cannon family.
Sending our deepest sympathy and condolences and prayers to the family and relatives.
Erica, we are so sorry for your loss. Please know that I’m praying for you and your family as you grieve the passing of your dad, Mr. Cannon. He was truly a dad to so many of us growing up—funny, kind, compassionate, and God-fearing. He had a way of making you feel seen, safe, and loved, and he stepped into the role of father figure for more people than he probably ever realized.
His impact will live on in the lives he touched and the memories we’ll always carry. We will miss him dearly.
Rest easy, Daddy Cannon. You will forever be loved and remembered.
With love and deepest condolences,
Jackie, Domino and Boulware Family
Sending our love and sympathy to the Cannon family. Mr. and Mrs. Cannon were tremendous and treasured friends of my parents and I’ll be forever grateful for that blessing.
Alysia (Jones) Long and family
A unique and wonderful and very special person! Always a smile and kind disposition! It was a very special experience to be in his presence! His family has been blessed his friends have also! We shall see him in the rapture for sure! My sincere condolences to family and friends! Peace be with you. Smile through your tears and sorrow! He has made us glad!
We extend our condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the entire Cannon family and especially to the children of William Cannon: Erica, Virgil and Shauni. We pray that you will find comfort in knowing that God will provide you with everything you need as you adjust to the loss of your beloved father. Mr. Cannon was a pillar in the community and a role model for all of us.
EXTENDING CONDOLENCES AND SUPPORT TO ERICKA, SHAUNI AND VIRGIL UNCLE WILLIAM AND AUNT MARY HAVE ALWAYS BEEN THERE FOR US. WE’VE SHARED NUMEROUS LIFE EVENTS AND VENTURES TOGETHER. ROBERT AND DOROTHY HOLLIS DAVIS EVEN HAD MUTUAL WEDDING ANNIVERSARY MONTHS. THEY LOVED GOD AND TAUGHT US STRONG FAMILY VALUES. WE REJOICE IN THE FREEDOM HIS PHYSICAL BODY NOW HAS. THE LAST CANNON BROTHER AWAITS THE GREATEST FAMILY REUNION OF ALL.
REST WELL.❤️
CHERYL P. POWELL,
ROBERT W. DAVIS AND FAMILIES
I am Truly sorry for the passing of Mr. Cannon. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
He will Truly be missed. When I got the news it really hurt and brought tears because I’d recently spoken with him and I told him he sounded so full of life. He responded by telling me his age. We stopped and Praised The Lord for a life well- lived.
I had a wonderful conversation with him on his birthday only a few weeks ago.
We thanked and praised God for His longevity and vigor. I told him he sounded like a much younger man; and his infectious laugh was still profound.
We talked for awhile, laughed and I asked to pray for him. He said quickly “yes.”
It was always a joyful time talking and listening to him.
I met him years ago attending our monthly
Allen University Columbia Chapter Alumni meetings.
He came to the local alumni meeting when he was 90. We had a birthday celebration with a cake and the works brought by Dr. Robert and Mrs. Percalee Morris. Truly it was unforgettable hearing his laughter and enjoying being loved on and honored; not only for his 90th birthday but for the wonderful person he was and his numerous years of service as our
National Alumni Treasurer. He served with Excellence and Accuracy.
He mentioned the years served and said: “my books were right, I’ve never been a penny short.”
We applauded and thanked him.
There’s too much to say in this format, but as I think about him I remember how wonderful, kind, friendly and genuine he was I know I will miss talking, laughing and listening to him especially on his birthdays.
Before writing this I asked The LORD to give me something to sum up a great and loving man of God like Mr. Cannon.
The writing of Roy Lessin came to mind:
THE IMPACT OF ONE LIFE
” When a stone is dropped into a lake it quickly disappears from sight-
But its impact leaves behind a series of ripples that broaden and reach across the water.
– In the same way, the impact of one life lived for Christ leaves behind an influence for good that touches the lives of many others.”
Mr. William Cannon’s life
definitely impacted my life and I am eternally grateful to God for allowing our paths to intersect.
Thank You Cannon Family for sharing him with me, Allen University and Countless others.
You have been in my prayers and I will continue as needed to stand in the gap with prayers for your peace and comfort during your time of grief.
Love, Appreciation and Bountiful Blessings
Earline Myers Stack
Shani, Erica and family,
I am so sorry for your loss and very saddened. I will be praying for strength and healing during this difficult time and going forward. Many years ago, I crowned Mr. Cannon as my bonus grandfather and he’s been a bright light during my childhood and in my adult life. I had the pleasure of spending time and catching up with him in recent months and I’ll always cherish that moment.
Mr. Cannon was a wonderful person and anyone who truly knew him can attest to that. Shani, Erica and family, may his legacy of love and kindness continue to live on in all of you.
Love You Guys!
Erica and Family,
Our deepest condolences we send in the loss of your dear Dad
He was an exceptional gentleman
We pray for comfort and peace
and that you all can stay strong through the beautiful memories you all shared together
Love and Hugs,
Milton & Debbie McGhaw
St. Louis, Mo.
My condolences to Erica and family. May fond memories serve as some comfort to you. God’s many blessings upon you.
My heart is full, so many loving memories with this family. Erica, Virgil and Shani your mom and dad were special to all of us and so are you!❤️❤️❤️🙏🏾
Our sincere prayers and condolences to Erica and the entire Cannon family. May the strength and peace of God comfort you during this difficult time and in the days ahead in Jesus name.
My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to Erica and the Cannon Family. Your dad was admired by many because of the compassion and caring he had for others. Be assured that you did all you could for him but GOD knows best. May GOD provide you with the needed strength to endure this time of grieving. GOD bless you!
🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️❤️❤️
Condolences to the Cannon family on the home going of Mr. Cannon. We were neighbors for 59 years. Everyone on Easter Street had great respect for him. He will truly be missed.
My sympathy and condolences are extended to the Cannon family. I will always cherish the discussions we shared during Sunday school at First Calvary. I was honored. to serve with him on the Deacon board. He was a strong pillar of the Church and Community. He will be missed. I was praying for God to allow him to make 100 but He said 98 will do.
Sincere condolences to the Cannon family. Mr. Cannon was my teacher at BTW 1964-1965. Prayers of comfort to his family. A very helpful and caring person and teacher.
To the Cannon Family
My deepest condolences to Erica Virgil and family.
May God Bless you as He comforts your family during this time. I will miss Mr. Cannon our neighbor on Easter Street, who let us come over to his house to play basketball and play pool. Those were good times back then as children.
Sending much love and many prayers to the Cannon family.
My sincere condolences are extended to the Cannon family and particularly Erica, my childhood friend who loved her father dearly. Mr. Cannon will be greatly missed. He was such a wise, compassionate man. I miss him with his BTW monthly breakfasts with my dad, JO Jackson, Mr. Carson and Mr. Wade. I also miss the friendship he showed my dad by transporting my brother around Columbia when my dad stopped driving and seeing Mr. Cannon doing his regular walk. He was indeed a legacy for his family.
My prayers are with the Cannon Family and friends in this time of bereavement. Men like Mr. Cannon and others (Mr. Bailey, Mr. McAfee, Mr. Wade, Mr. Mckie, Mr Glymph and others..) Pillars of our communities who put God 1st, Family, Church and Strangers in that order. They were a different breed of wholesome and no nonsense generation who demonstrated a unique understanding of Life that we were blessed to learned from. Generals as it were of the faith and family. We as the younger generation are now charged with by the help of God to carry on the baton that they ran with to right the ship and steady its course as we press on in their stead. God Bless the Cannon Family and God help us move forward with the same integrity and fortitude that our Elders so eloquently demonstrated. 🙏🏾
Mr. Cannon was like my father away from home. Shani and I met at SCSU. I was from Indiana; so I didn’t have a home to go to on the weekends. Mr. & Mrs. Cannon always welcomed me with open arms. I have vivid memories of Mr. Cannon picking us up in his Honda Accord. He always drove under the speed limit, played his soft music, and would occasionally whistle to songs as we rode from Orangeburg to Columbia. Mr. Cannon was a God fearing man. He was serious about his church obligations! He was a man of few words, but his actions spoke loudly. He was kind, humble, and compassionate. I am honored that I had the privilege of knowing him. To know Mr. Cannon is to LOVE Mr. Cannon. He will always have a footprint in my heart. My prayers are with the entire family. I love you all.
My Sincere Condolences to the Cannon family. Mr. Cannon was a long time resident of the Greenview Community . I will keep the entire family in my Prayers. RIP Mr. Cannon
January 31, 2025. Finally got it right. To God be the glory 🙏
Oops January 31 3025
Sincere condolences are extended to the family of Mr. Cannon. I have so many fond memories of him from being a student at our beloved Booker T Washington High School to later working under his leadership when he became assistant principal at Columbia High School. He was a soft spoken gentleman who always cared for the students. I learned a lot from him. He was my mentor and confidant and gave me many words of encouragement as I navigated as an educator. He was a man of God. I have had the pleasure of giving and receiving many hugs from him. The last was on January 31,2026 at our Booker T Washington High School Celebration at First Calvary. The last photo I took with him was at the repast following Coach Young’s homegoing celebration. I will cherish all the memories. Erica and family, thanks for sharing your dad with us . He touched many lives .To God be the glory. Rest in peace my fellow Washingtonian.
My prayers and condolences to the Cannon family . Ron Casey
CHS class of 81
My sincere condolences and prayers to the Cannon family
Our Condolences to the Cannon family!
My sincere heartfelt condolences to the Cannon family. I had so many fond memories growing up as next door neighbors on Easter Street. Sending my prayers and love to you Erica, Virgil, and Shanni, as you navigate through these difficult days. May the peace of God strengthen and comfort you.🕊️
Mr. Cannon and my dad (William Carson) were longtime friends. After working together, they started a monthly breakfast club after retirement, which kept my dad going, long after his Alzheimer’s diagnosis. I will forever remember how kind and understanding he and the others- J.O. Jackson and Paul Wade were to Dad. Erica, my condolences on your loss of a good friend, wonderful teacher, standup husband (to your Mom) and great Dad. He will be missed
On behalf of the members of Booker T, Washington High School Class of 1963 we extend our heartfelt sympathy to the beloved family of Mr.,William Henry Cannon . Mr.,Cannon was an outstanding teacher, he instilled in us life long skills on how to manage our money. Most of all he taught us to save some of our money. This is what he taught us 63 years ago in our 12th grade Economics Class. Mr. Cannon and his brothers was the driving force that save so many black students in the 60 and 70. We truly thank the entire Cannon family for their outstanding service in the field of education.
My sincere condolences to Mrs. Crystal Haynie, and her family. I know how much you all loved your Papa. Although I only met him once, not only was he an accomplished gentleman, he was a kind a gentle soul that cared so much about others. Please know that I along with the Joseph Keels Elementary family are here for you. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽- Alvera C. Butler
I’m sending prayers and condolences to the family of Mr. William Cannon. I’ll always remember the chats he and I had about God and children. He always shared wisdom, knowledge and understanding about this world and the people in it. I’ll never forget two quotes he always said to me, “Children come with No expiration date”, and “Our bodies do not belong to Us, but, to GOD. I Thank God, I was able to see Mr Cannon on December 31,2025. Those memories make it easy to say “Farewell and I’ll SEE you on the other side.” Erica, God Knows Best. WE WILL MISS YOUR DADDY.🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 for you All.
We would like to extend our sincere and deepest condolences to the Cannon family. Mr. and Mrs. Cannon were very close friends as a matter of fact just like family. Mr. Cannon was a respected teacher and spiritual leader to us and many others. His kindness, wisdom, and steady presence left a lasting mark on the community. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. His guidance, compassion, and example shaped us and the community in ways that will not be forgotten. May his memory be a blessing and a source of comfort to all who loved him. Please know that we are keeping our lifelong friends Erica, Virgil, and Shanni in our thoughts and prayers. We are praying that God provide your family and friends with great strength, surround them with caring people and comfort during this difficult time. Love to you all!!
My sincere condolences to the Cannon family. Mr. and Mrs. Cannon were very close friends. Their support to Sheryl, Dwayne and me throughout the years meant so much to me. We were their other family. Please know that I am keeping Erica, Virgil, and Shanni in my thoughts and prayers.🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️
Sincere love and prayers to the entire Cannon family. Remember God has his arms around each of you.God Bless!!!
“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” May God wrap you in his loving arms as you navigate this new way of life without your loved one. Deacon Cannon was such a beacon of light and a gentle soul. We can rejoice in the knowledge of knowing that he is at rest in the arms of God. Grant and I are praying for your strength and comfort during this difficult time. Love to you all!!
i could not believe when i heard that Mr. Cannon had received his wings. He was truly my mentor, As he was the Allen Alumni Association treasurer for many years, he taught me as his predecessor, to, “Keep your records straight..”. He was the best. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Erika i will be there for you if needed.
My condolences to the Cannon family God love you best