Billy Lee Cannon

Billy Lee Cannon

WINTERVILLE - Billy Lee Cannon, 82, passed away Thursday, May 4, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family. A memorial service celebrating his faith and joy will be conducted Sunday at 4pm at Tanglewood Church of God, Kinston. The family will receive friends following the service.

Billy was born December 21, 1934 in Onslow County to the late George Levi Cannon and Pearl Lockey Cannon. Billy lived in Jones County until he graduated from White Oak High School and then moved to Kinston, living there 58 years. He was drafted and served in the US Army as a Military Policeman from 1956-1958 in Albuquerque, NM, where many friendships were formed and continued through the years. Upon returning to Kinston, he worked with E. I. DuPont over 38 years as an electrician. In his shop, his co-workers named him "Go-rillo."

Billy worked several years as a voter registrar in his precinct, which he greatly enjoyed. He served as President of the Kinston/Lenoir Babe Ruth Baseball League and coached during the time his sons were growing up. He taught Sunday school at his church and at Dobbs Farm Reform School for boys for many years. He enjoyed opening his home for the Vision Sunday school class monthly group meals until his health declined. In 2014, his daughter Pam opened her home to assist with his care, which she did so lovingly.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, James Bruce Cannon; sister, Dixie C. Ferrell; brothers, Bobby Joe, Donald and Jimmy Cannon; and his beloved Shih-poo, Annie of 17 years.

Billy is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty Ferrell Cannon; daughter, Pamela C. Laughinghouse, both of Winterville; son, Lee Cannon and wife Doris; grandsons, Matthew and Chandler Cannon, all of Smithville, GA, Justin Hergert and wife Erin of Houma, LA; granddaughter, Cassie White and husband Dustin of Martinez, GA; great grandson, Jack Hergert; sisters, Jean C. Jenkins (Bradford) of Pollocksville and Wanda C. Divincenzo of Hubert; sister-in-laws, Judy H. Cannon of Maysville and Patsy H. Cannon of Pollocksville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In the midst of our sorrow, he has fought the good fight because of his deep trust, love and commitment to the Lord. The Bible states, "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." (II Corinthians 5:8) and "so shall we ever be with the Lord." (I Thessalonians 4:17)

The family would like to thank Tanglewood Church Vision Class, Vidant Medical Center, Ayden Court, and Community HomeCare and Hospice for their loving care during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tanglewood Church Vision Sunday School Class, 2103 Rouse Rd, Kinston, NC 28504.

Arrangements by Smith Funeral Service & Crematory, Greenville. Online condolences may be expressed at www.smithfcs.com.

As published in The Daily Reflector