James Earl Cannon

James Earl Cannon, age 85, of Warwoman Community in Clayton, GA passed away on Sunday, May 16, 2010 after a lengthy illness..

He was born in Rabun County and was the son of the late Bently Able Cannon and Mary Susan Williams Cannon.

He was preceded in death by four brothers, Jessie, Robert, Charlie and Marley Cannon and three sisters, Gurtha Deal, Lesele Beck, and Anne Morgan

He is survived by his loving wife, Jeanie Lezell Speed Cannon, two daughters, Susan Cannon Trawick and husband Emory of Williamson, GA, and Nancy Cannon Norton and husband Artis of LaGrange, GA. Five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren also survive.

Earl was a retired traffic engineer for Dekalb County where he was honored by the county with a Resolution and Plaque at his retirement. He was a Past Master, Chaplin, and long time Trustee of Rabun Gap Masonic Lodge 265. He was a member of the Yaarab Shrine, York Right, Grand Council of Georgia F&S Masons Lodge #21 in Hayesville, NC. He was Post Commander of The American Legion Post 220 in 2003, and a member of the Disabled American Veterans. He served during World War II with the 1st Army 7th Corp. 116th AAA Gun Battalion Mobile at Normandy and in Germany until the end of the war.

Earl was a valued member and long time Trustee of Battle Branch Baptist Church. He enjoyed the 65 plus years that he hunted with Hubert Page and the years he hunted deer and turkey with his son-in-laws, Emory and Butch and his friends.

He once said that one of his most memorable times in his life was when he got off the Liberty Ship at Camp Miles Standish in Boston in October 1945. His proudest times were when he married his wife Lezell and when his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were born.

The family will receive friends at Beck Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 from 6PM to 8 PM. Funeral Services will be held at Battle Branch Baptist Church on Wednesday, May 19, 2010 at 2 PM with Pastor Madison McCrackin and Rev. Larry Cannon officiating. Burial will follow in Roane Cemetery with a Masonic Graveside Rite.

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.