Benjamin Cannon

RACINE - Mr. Benjamin Cannon, 73, entered into Eternal Life on Thursday, April 13, 2006, at the Sheridan Medical Complex in Kenosha. Benjamin was born on April 24, 1932, in Waterville, Miss., to George Seefus and Emma Lee Cannon. On May 7, 1955, in New Albany, Miss., Benjamin married the former Amanda Long and to this union, two children were born. He confessed a hope in Christ at an early age and united with the Old Grove Baptist Church in Mississippi. In 1948, Benjamin's parents moved the Cannon family to Racine. He gained his formal education in Mississippi and at Franklin School in Racine. He joined the United States Army in 1951 and served during the Korean War and was Honorably Discharged in 1955. Benjamin united with St. Paul Baptist Church, where he served loyally and faithfully in many capacities for 59 years, until his health began to fail him. He was a member of the Men's Fellowship, the Trustee Board, the Senior Choir, the Gospel Chorus, the Male Chorus, the Praise Team, the Mass Choir, and the Voices of St. Paul. He was also a faithful member of the St. Paul Deacon Board, serving as Chairman from 1995 until 1997. He was a member of the "Golden Tru-Lites" for 25 years. He was the founder of the famed "Gospel Expressions," singing nationwide for the past 30 years. Benjamin will be remembered by many for his Sunday morning renditions of "The Lord Is Blessing Me," "We'll Understand It Better By and By," and "Ill Fly Away." Benjamin was an avid fisherman and gardener all of his life and enjoyed them both to the fullest. He was employed at Racine Steel Casting for 32 years, until his retirement in 1983. After retirement, he was employed with the Metro Auto Auction and Laidlaw Bus Company. Benjamin leaves to cherish his precious memories his loving wife, Amanda Cannon; two sons, Benny S. Cannon, St. Paul, Minn. and Gerald L. Cannon, Harlem, N.Y.; two grandchildren, Gerald Cannon II and Audrey Cannon, both of Racine; one brother, Frank Cannon, Oxford, Miss.; four sisters, Fannie Phyfer and Cara Chones, both of Racine, Jennie Keys, Milwaukee, and Chattie (Charles) Johnson, Minneapolis, Minn.; brother and sister-in-law, Henry (Katie) Long, Memphis, Tenn.; and special friends, Pastor Joseph (Dorothy) Thomas. He is further survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Louis, Robert, Paul, George, and Willie Cannon; two sisters, Pearl Cannon and Mamie Chones; a nephew that he raised as a son, Terrance Long; brothers-in-law, Samuel Chones, Curtis Keys, Tommy Long, J.W. Chones, and Albert Phyfer; and sisters-in law, Juanita Cannon, Inez Cannon, Mabel Cannon, Estelle Cannon, and Ethel Long. Funeral services will be held at the St. Paul Baptist Church, 1123 Center Street, on Tuesday, April 18, 2006, at 11 a.m. with Bishop Lawrence L. Kirby officiating. Interment will take place at West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will take place Tuesday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service. ALTERNATIVE FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES Clyde O. Austin and Associates Funeral Directors "A Commitment To Caring" 1715 - 16th Street 633-1200