Amos Clayton Cannal III

Amos Clayton Cannal, III was born June 27, 1937 in Newport, RI to his parents, Amos C. Cannal, II and Marjorie Peake Cannal. Mr. Cannal was a US Navy accountant; Mrs. Cannal was the first African-American registered nurse in Rhode Island. Amos was raised in Providence, RI where he attended Hope High School. He played basketball and earned the nickname "Horse" due to his size, strength and agility. After graduation, Amos embarked on a distinguished military career in the U.S. Army National Guard and the United States Air Force. In 1960, he married his high school sweetheart, Henrietta Atwater, and they raised four children. His military career took him and his family all over the world, including Turkey, Spain, Belgium, and Korea. Amos was a decorated Vietnam veteran; he was stationed stateside in Washington, DC, Florida and finally Arizona, where he retired in 1980. Following his military career, Amos studied Criminal Justice at Pima Community College and the University of Arizona. Amos instilled in his children a deep love of family, a strong work ethic and he took great pride in his home. His beautifully kept yard and garden were outward reflections of his love of plants. Amos spent his leisure time fishing in Mexico and California. He was a certified scuba diver and had many fish tanks and hundreds of tropical fish over the years. Amos was a huge music fan and his tastes were eclectic. He listened to everything, including Count Basie, Miles Davis, Blood Sweat & Tears, Kenny G, Chuck Mangione and anything Motown. Music filled his home virtually every waking moment and it illustrated so many wonderful moments and periods of his life. Amos played the violin as a boy and he took flute lessons as an adult. He loved Schlitz beer, tacos, peanut M&M's, and the Washington Redskins football team. He loved his F-150 truck, especially when hitched to his fishing boat. During his retirement, Amos enjoyed being a basketball referee, photography, and do-it-yourself projects. He taught his children to use tools and took great pride in watching them use the skills that he taught them. Amos had a trademark sense of humor, a quick smile and knowing eyes that illuminated determination and will. With this fighting spirit and his devoted wife of 51 years, Amos lived life to his fullest capacity, despite his daily challenges. Amos retained his dignity and he continued to be respected as the head of his family and household. Amos is survived by his loving wife, Henrietta; children, Amos IV (Patricia), David (Sherry), Mark (Sharon) and Marcia (Parrish); grandchildren, Amos V, Robert, Adrian, Keisha, Taylor, David and Christine; great-granddaughter, Malia. He is also survived by his brother, Marvin (Gloriann); nephews, Anthony, Alex and Dana; nieces, Jennifer and Robin and his cousin, Camille. Amos was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Audrey and nephew, Arthur. The Cannal family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Abraham Byrd, III, for his personal commitment to our father's well being. We will forever find comfort in knowing that your efforts helped us have our Dad for as long as we did. A Memorial Service for close friends and family will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 4, 2012, at BRING'S BROADWAY, 6910 E. Broadway, Tucson, Arizona. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Amos' name to the Diamond Children's Center at the University of Arizona. Please go to: www.diamondchildrens.org and click 'Donate.' Thank you.