92947-1:n:05/16/2007:NAN/nan LRS2007-2931
MOURNING THE DEATH OF MR. WILLIAM DAVID CANNON.
WHEREAS, we note with sadness the unexpected death of Mr. William David "Billy" Cannon on April 28, 2007, at the age of 60 years; and
WHEREAS, in his fourth term as County Commission Chairman for Marshall County, Mr. Cannon was a dynamic and effective leader and public servant who had initiated many improvements in the county and who was pursuing his fourth term objectives with gusto; and
WHEREAS, born in 1947 in Americus, Georgia, he grew to six feet seven inches tall, married his high school sweetheart, Jill, and together they attended Troy State University from which he received a basketball scholarship and a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Marketing in 1970; he later attended the Center for Governmental Studies at Auburn University; and
WHEREAS, after more than two decades as an automobile dealer in Anniston, Auburn, Guntersville, and Huntsville, he was appointed Chairman of the Marshall County Commission by Governor Fob James in 1996, winning reelection three times with confirmed popular support for his energetic management style; and
WHEREAS, a few of his many accomplishments include: obtaining some $25 million in federal grants; leading efforts for the new Child Development Center and a new senior center; installing 16 new tornado sirens; building three storm shelters; and securing funding for volunteer fire departments, rescue squads, and water projects; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Cannon built a life of public service, serving on numerous boards such as Community Corrections and Convention and Tourism; he offered support to a broad array of civic efforts by United Way, Relay for Life, Red Cross, Juvenile Diababetes, and many others; and
WHEREAS, a faithful and active member of Guntersville First Methodist Church, he taught adult Sunday School for 33 years; and
WHEREAS, preceded in death by his wife Jill, he leaves to cherish his memory a daughter, Kelly Cannon (Rob) Buchsbaum; a son, Doug (Dawn) Cannon, three grandchildren; mother, Frances P. Cannon; brothers, Richard Cannon and Reverend Phillip Cannon; nieces and nephews; and a multitude of friends; and
WHEREAS, described by staff members as a "gentle giant who loved people and was passionate about what he was doing for Marshall County," Mr. Cannon's life was cut short too soon, but he leaves Marshall County a legacy of dedication, service, and progress which will, in time, become legendary; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, That while we are deeply saddened by the unexpected death of Marshall County Commission Chairman William David Cannon, we remember with gratitude his generous life of service to others, and we direct that a copy of this resolution be provided to his family whose grief we share.