William Cannington

Mr. William "Pig" Ruth Cannington, 93, of Varnville, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
He was born in Cummings, SC on June 18, 1931. He was the son of the late Joel F. Cannington Sr. and Catherine Searson Cannington. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 52 years, Jeannine O'Quinn Cannington, and his brothers and sister Agnes Breland, Frank Cannington, Charles Cannington, Joel Cannington Jr.
Affectionately known as "Pig", which was a nickname given to him as a child by his sister. He was a lifelong farmer, farming the same land that has been in his family for over 150 years. He attended Yemassee schools where he had perfect attendance and was named Salutatorian of his graduating class. He was a member of Deep Branch Baptist Church and baptized in the waters at Dempsey Landing.
He met the love of his life, Jeannine, an RN who cared for his mother. They married and built a beautiful life together sharing the common goals of hard work, clean living, helping others and a true love for Hampton County.
William's family and friends knew him to be a man of few words but many opinions. He started his days reading the newspaper from front to back. He loved ending a long hard day of work at the farm, sprawled out on the grass underneath the pecan trees. He loved sharing old tales to anyone that would stop by and offer them a pack of nabs and a Pepsi cola.
He was always looking for ways to improve his farm and his community. William played an active role in bringing a community fire department to Cummings. He saw the dire need and worked hard along with others to bring it to fruition. William and his big John Deere prepped and worked the Watermelon Festival Mud Runs, an annual fundraiser for the fire department, for several years. It was a highlight of his life, and he loved the role he played in their success. He also truly loved local politics, and at election time, he was always active in making sure the elderly and disabled had a ride to the polls. William and Jeannine spent many years as active volunteers for the Relay for Life events. He would be there all night always willing to lend a hand, loan a truck or set up a site.
Many folks remember the surprise of watermelons dropped off on their doorsteps at the end of a long work day. He donated melons to the local hospital and nursing homes, town employees and family and friends. With rough hands and a gentle heart, he was always willing to help a friend in need.
Surviving are: daughters, Lynn Bowers of Varnville, Claudia Long and her husband Mark of Varnville, and Karen "Kaye" Wilson and her husband Nathan of Hampton; 6 grandchildren, Anna Bowers, William Bowers, Daniel Long, Josh Wilson (Claire), Andrew Wilson (Christine), and Emily Pitman (Parkes); and many great grandchildren.
The family would like to express their deep appreciation for the compassion and care provided by Crystal Whitlock, Carrie Taylor, Patricia Hightower, Maelynn Haynes, and Viola Collins and to Adrienne Craven and the rest of the staff at Agape Care.
Funeral services will be held 11 o'clock, Friday morning, March 7, 2025, at The Brice Herndon Funeral Home, Varnville-Hampton Chapel. Interment will follow in Searson Cemetery, Cummings.
The family will receive friends for a time of visitation Friday morning from 10 o'clock until the hour of service at THE BRICE W. HERNDON AND SONS FUNERAL HOMES AND CREMATORY, VARNVILLE-HAMPTON CHAPEL, 1074 Yemassee Highway, Varnville. 803.943.5016. Visit the registry online at: www.briceherndonfuneralhome.com.
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