Malcolm Truett Cannon

Malcolm Truett Cannon, of White Plains, Virginia, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2025, in Henrico, Virginia, at the age of 86. He was born on April 28, 1939, the beloved son of the late Jesse Jennings Cannon and Stella Meade Wray.

Malcolm proudly served in the United States Army from 1962 to 1965. While the Army offered the promise of seeing the world, Mac’s travels took him to such exotic locations as Ohio and Pennsylvania — experiences he recalled fondly. He met lifelong friends in those 3 short years.

Following his military service, Malcolm devoted 33 years to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), retiring on October 1, 1991, as a respected traffic engineer. During his career, he had a role in the development and implementation of the blue highway logo signs, which helped motorists find food, fuel, and lodging. His work reflected a steadfast commitment to public safety and infrastructure, leaving a lasting impact on the communities he served.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Cecil J. Cannon, and wife Ruth; his sisters, Lois C. Lynch and husband Archie, and Erlene C. Collie and husband Roy; and his nephew, Meade.

He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis C. Brockwell and Wilbur W. Brockwell Jr., as well as nieces and nephews Dale, Ronald, Joan, Leonard, Rose, Betsy, Bruce, Robert, Lisa, Cheryl, Gary and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Mac will be fondly remembered for his deep devotion to family. He never missed a gathering and loved helping make a Brunswick stew, making his famous applesauce cake, and always showing up with drinks, cups, and ice — thoughtful touches that became traditions in themselves. He had a true passion for family history, often diving into the stories of the Cannons and Wrays. Though he might forget what he’d had for lunch, he could recall every aunt, uncle, and fifth cousin removed — often assuming everyone else could too. His love for family ran deep and shaped the way he showed up for those he cared about.

A visitation will be held from 2:00 to 3:00 PM on June 4, 2025, at Williams Funeral Home in Lawrenceville, Virginia, followed by the funeral service at 3:00 PM. Burial will take place at James Square Cemetery also in Lawrenceville.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests donations be made to the James Square Cemetery Fund in Malcolm’s memory.