Obituary of William Cannon

CANNON, William R. Jr., beloved husband, father and grandfather, went to his Lord early Wednesday morning February 12, 2014. Bill was 82. He was born November 16, 1931 in Sebring, Fla., son of Ms. Caretta Smith and William R. Cannon Sr. He has been a lifelong resident of Lake Placid. Bill graduated from Lake Placid High School in 1949, where he excelled in all sports, especially basketball. His basketball skills were good enough that he received offers from colleges to play. In 1952, he went to work for Eugene F. Griffin in the citrus business and eventually moved into management in the 60's. When Mr. Griffin bought controlling interest in the First Bank of Lake Placid Bill went to work as an Ag. Representative. At the death of Mr. Griffin in 1973 Bill was named the VP of the First Bank of Lake Placid, Co-Executor of the Griffin Estate and was placed on the banks board of directors. In 1974, he was appointed Executive VP and then President in 1975, and later established the trust department. He retired in 1991, from First Bank and Trust of Lake Placid which today is known as Wauchula State Bank of Lake Placid. Bill attended the Ministry Center in Lake Placid. He was past president of both Highlands Co. Farm Bureau and Greater Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce, past member of the Lake Placid City Council, LP Athletic Assoc., Highlands Co. Zoning Board and was the Citrus Advisory Commissioner for the Florida Bankers Assoc. He was an avid fisherman. Bill is survived by his wife Clarice, whom he wed in 1950 in Lake Placid; children, William III (Barbara), Cindy Cannon Wells (Lonnie), Jenny Cannon Gentile (Jim); sister Betty Stalls (Sonny); 6 grandchildren and he was blessed with 12 great grandchildren. Family will receive friends from 1 through 2 p.m. Friday February 14, at Community Church of God with funeral services beginning at 2 p.m. Pastor Joe DeHart and Pastor Lonnie Wells will celebrate. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. Contributions can be made in Bill's memory to Good Shepherd Hospice, 1110 Hammock Rd., Sebring, Fla., 33870. Funeral arrangements are under the loving devotion of MICHAEL A. BROCHETTI FUNERAL HOME 404 Plaza Ave. Lake Placid, Florida 33852 863-465-9997