William "Ken" Cannon

William K. (Ken) Cannon passed away peacefully, August 14th, 2024, at the accomplished age of 85. In his last moments, he was surrounded by his sons and his beloved Carlotta, at his home in Salisbury as he desired.

Born May 7, 1939, in Smyth County, Virginia, Ken was the eldest son of the late James Lewis and Maxie Allison. He graduated from Statesville High School and was an alumnus of East Carolina College (now University) where he majored in Accounting. After college Ken joined Fieldcrest Mills, Inc. of Eden, North Carolina and worked in various Accounting and Management positions. He retired in 1997 from Fieldcrest Cannon, Inc. of Kannapolis. During his second career, he was owner/broker of Julian Properties in Kannapolis before retiring again in 2005 to his home on Lake Tillery. In 2015 he moved to Salisbury where he resided at The Gables at Kepley Farm.

Ken was a long-time member of the Institute of Management Accountants and a charter member of the Raleigh-Durham Chapter in 1963. He was an active member of the East Carolina University Pirates Club, the East Carolina Alumni Association, and a staunch supporter of all the Pirates' athletic endeavors for over 40 years. In addition, he was a member of various other civic organizations such as the Jaycees and Rotary during his professional career. Also, since 1992 Ken was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Kannapolis where he served on various boards and committees and attended the Hinnant Sunday School Class.

Ken will be remembered by many for his charming smile, warm presence and his love of purple and gold. He loved watching sports, rooting for the Carolina Panthers and the sports teams of every school his granddaughters attended. He shared many special interests with his loved ones including riding his motorcycle, sunset cruises on Lake Tillery, and indulging a nighttime sweet tooth. The memories he made with his friends and family will be forever cherished and celebrated.

Surviving are his brother Jack Cannon (Nina) of Greenville, South Carolina, sons, Rick Cannon (Beatriz) of Houston, Texas, and Reggie Cannon (Sue), of Morehead City, North Carolina. Also surviving are his six wonderful granddaughters, Rachel Godeaux (Derik), Lauren Nevitt (Sam) and Kristen Godeaux (Seth) of Lafayette, Louisiana, Jordan Parnin (John) of Greenville, North Carolina, Macy Cannon (Kalee) of Fuquay Varina, North Carolina, Kaitlyn Gallagher (Billy) of Morehead City, North Carolina, and step grandson Jeff Ries (Meghan) of Clayton, North Carolina, as well as 14 great-grandchildren.

In addition to family members, Mr. Cannon is survived by Carlotta Upton of Salisbury, North Carolina his beloved confidant, companion and compassionate caregiver through his last years. He is also survived by the mother of his children, Mrs. Patsy Beddard of Morehead City, North Carolina.

A viewing will be held Friday, August 23rd from 4:00pm-7:00pm at Whitley's Funeral Home in Kannapolis and a visitation Saturday, August 24th at Trinity Methodist Church in Kannapolis, from 2:00pm-3:00pm until the Celebration of Life Service at 3:00 pm. Entombment will be held Monday, August 26, 2024 following a gathering at 1:00 pm and service at 2:00pm in the Mausoleum Chapel in Mount Rose Cemetery, Glade Spring, Virginia, not far from his place of birth and near his parents, grandparents, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, Kannapolis, the Charlotte Rescue Mission, or your local Salvation Army, his favorite charities. Condolences may be made online at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com.