Vernon Ralphael Cannon

Vernon Raphael Cannon passed away on May 13, 2022 after a prolonged illness.  He was also affectionately known as dad, daddy, pop pop, grandpa, granddaddy, and uncle beer.  Just like he dealt with all experiences in life, Vernon Raphael Cannon managed his illness with strength and grace. He wished and was able to spend his remaining time with his loved ones.  He passed away peacefully in his sleep and will be greatly missed.

Vernon Raphael Cannon was born on January 5, 1940 in Winston Salem, North Carolina to Fuller Cannon and Cora Brown-Cannon.  He is survived by two siblings Elsie Blackman and Jones Cannon. He was previously married to Mary Loretta Hairston Cannon, who is the mother of his four children. His children are: Walter Todd Cannon (married to Alejandra Luciano-Cannon), Timothy Jones Cannon, Vernon Terence Cannon (married to Anita Cannon), and Khara Cannon Chike (married to Ikechi Nigel Chike).  He has eleven beautiful grandchildren: Nyasia Strickland, Andrew Cannon, Madison Cannon, Elijah Cannon, Mali Cannon, Grace Hickman, Brandon Cannon, Joshua Persaud, Noah Cannon, Abby Cannon, and Caleb Chike. He will also be missed by his nieces, Norma Martin and Jackie Collins, and countless other family members.  

Unfortunately, Vernon Raphael Cannon lost his mother when he was very young but through great fortitude and perseverance, he was able to graduate from Carver High School in Winston Salem, North Carolina in 1958. He moved to Detroit, Michigan, which played a significant role in his adult life. With the support of family members in Detroit, he diligently worked to finish his undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Therefore, we respectfully honor these family members who have preceded him in death: Clarence and Azalea Ogilvie, Roosevelt and Blanche Massey, Jasper and Willa Mae Norton.  In 1960, Vernon Raphael Cannon pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated at Wayne State University.  He was a proud member of his fraternity and participated in various fraternal activities over the years in several cities. 

Vernon Raphael Cannon also served in the United States Army stationed in Okinawa, Japan and was Honorably Discharge in 1964.  Upon leaving the United States Army, Vernon Raphael Cannon began working for Michigan Bell as a Lineman.  He was able to obtain a promotion as a System Analyst. This promotion brought him and his family to Randolph Township, New Jersey in 1979.  In New Jersey, Vernon Raphael Cannon worked as a manager in the finance department at AT&T. Never settling and a strong belief in perseverance, Vernon Raphael Cannon pursued and obtained a Master’s Degree in accounting from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, New Jersey. Moreover, he went on to pass the Certified Public Accounting exam.  

After many years, Vernon Raphael Cannon retired from AT&T.  Throughout his life, Vernon Raphael Cannon was able to excel in his endeavors.  Not being an idle soul, he worked as a consultant in accounting, a real estate agent, and as a college accounting instructor for Prince George’s Community College in Maryland.

Vernon Raphael Cannon enjoyed many hobbies.  His passion was carpentry and he will greatly be missed by Home Depot.  He was truly a “jack of all trades”.  There are fond memories of various projects that were started but not necessarily finished.  The important fact was it was time spent together.  Vernon Raphael Cannon enjoyed debating about various topics including politics and his favorite NFL football team, the Baltimore Ravens.  Moreover, he also enjoyed MILLER HIGH LIFE until the end!

HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY HIS FAMILY AND ALL WHO LOVED HIM!

 The Visitation and Funeral Service will be Live-streamed. To watch the live-streaming of this service at the scheduled time, please CLICK HERE.

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