Thomas Markwood Cannon
April 7, 1943 - January 31, 2021
Matthews, North Carolina - Thomas Markwood Cannon of Matthews, NC passed away at age 77 at home on Sunday, January 31, 2021.
Mr. Cannon was born in Rome, Georgia, on April 7, 1943, son of the late Paul Haven Cannon and the late Helen Markwood Cannon. His father's work took the family from Georgia to South Carolina, Mexico City, New Jersey and to Charlotte in 1963. As a youth Tom was a Sea Scout and church acolyte. He graduated from Darlington School in 1961 and from the University of New Mexico in 1966 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Tom received a Navy ROTC scholarship and was commissioned an Ensign upon graduation. Tom was a devoted Lobos fan.
Tom served 5 years active duty as an officer aboard the USS Keyes and the USS Arlington in the Pacific and as an admiral's aide in Washington DC. He was aboard the Arlington in July 1969 on location at the Apollo 11 lunar mission splashdown and recovery mission in the Pacific alongside USS Hornet. He continued his service in the Navy Reserves retiring as a Captain with a total of 30 years of service, including studying at the Naval War College in Newport, RI. Tom loved the Navy and kept in touch with many of his Navy friends and shipmates.
After the Navy, Tom's engineering and management career led him to various positions at Proctor & Gamble, Celanese Corp. and at Midrex Technologies. During his time with Midrex he traveled extensively overseas on many engineering/construction projects.
Upon retirement, Tom enjoyed volunteering with the Matthews Historical Foundation and the Matthews Veterans Advisory Committee. He loved being with Barbara, his wife of 30 years, gardening, reading, jogging, history, genealogy and their dog, Stuart. Tom particularly loved the ocean, Ocean Isle Beach and traveling everywhere with Barbara.
More importantly, Tom was a good and decent man who loved life and his family. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Scott-Cannon, daughter Amanda Scott, sons Paul Cannon and Chris Cannon (Dana), granddaughter Abigail Cannon, brother Dave Cannon (Jean), nieces, Lisa Moon (Logan) and Lindsay Scales (Drew) nephew, Rees Cannon (Karen), and many great-nieces and great-nephews.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Gabriel Catholic Church on Friday, March 5, at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Paws for Purple Hearts in memory of Tom.
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth Poe Services,. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charlotte Observer on Feb. 28, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Cannon

5 Entries

Bill Parker

November 24, 2021

I just found out Tom died when I received my copy of this month's Mirage UNM Alumni magazine. I had no idea we had both lived in the same state for years. Tom and I were in the UNM NROTC program 1961-65 and Tom was a part of the ceremonial sword team who formed a sword arch at my wedding in June 1965. I last saw him in June 1965 as I received a commission in the Marine Corps and left Albuquerque, NM for Quantico, VA for the Officers Basic School. My deepest sympathies and prayers for your family.

Jim Sinopoli

April 8, 2021

Tom was such a great guy, his vast circle of friends at the YMCA will miss his company greatly at our morning coffee chats. Prayers and condolences to the entire family

Jim Sinopoli

edward rand

March 13, 2021

Tom was an associate of mine at the Celanese Corporation. He was such a fine gentleman with such a positive attitude. Intelligent, thoughtful with a terrific sense of humor. I can hear that wonderful laugh now. I will miss Tom. Blessings and prayers to the family. To his children, take the lessons your dad taught you and apply them to your lives and to your children's lives as well. That would be a strong legacy of Tom's indeed.

Gerald Parks

March 5, 2021

Tom,
We will miss you at the dinner nights out with the St Pat’s teachers & spouses. You always had interesting things to share. Also those sometimes chance meetings at Stacks were a nice surprise too. Bless you Barbara and all of your family.
Jerry & Ann Parks

February 28, 2021

My condolences to you and your family. May the God of comfort be with you all during this difficult time. (2 Cor. 1:2-4)

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results