William H. Cannon

CANNON, William H., 91, of Emporia, passed away on September 15, 2008. William began his military service with the National Guard and was a staff sergeant in Company M, 116th Infantry, 29th Division, and took part in the D-Day assault on Omaha Beach in Normandy. His decorations include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with four campaign stars for Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe, as well as an arrowhead device for the Normandy amphibious assault, and the French Croix de Guerre. He was also awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, and participated in combat for which the 29th Infantry Division received the Presidential Unit Citation. Upon his return to civilian life, William worked for the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. He was a state examiner and supervisor for the South Central Region when he retired in 1982 after 36 years of service. After retirement, he enjoyed volunteer work at Greensville Memorial Hospital Auxiliary (now SVRMC), logging over 4,700 hours. His patriotism carried through in his memberships with the American Legion Post #46, VFW Post #5371, 29th Division Association, Inc., and the Co. M Reunion Group. He belonged to the Widows Sons Masonic Lodge #150, and was a lifelong member of Monumental United Methodist Church, where he previously served on the Board of Stewards. William was predeceased by his brother, Francis W. Cannon. He took great pride in his family and is survived by his wife of 61 years, Edith; his children, Ruth Furbee and husband, Eric, Roger Cannon and wife, Amy, and DeEtta Wirtanen and close friend, Johann Glansdorp; four grandchildren, Angela Williams and husband, Lee, Scott Furbee and wife, Sandra, Brian Cannon and wife, Kelly, and Mikhel Wirtanen; two great-grandsons, Tate Williams and Braden Furbee. He also leaves two nieces, Lola (Sam) Horne and Jane (Joe) Byrum; and a devoted sister-in-law, Ethel Faison; and numerous extended family members and friends; including a caring friend, Daisy Gray. The family will receive friends 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, September 17, at Echols Funeral Home, 806 Brunswick Ave., Emporia. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, September 18, in the Echols Chapel, with interment at Greensville Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Greensville Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 108, Emporia, Va. 23847, the National D-Day Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 77, Bedford, Va. 24523, or a charity of your choice.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.