George Levan Cannon

We regret to announce the passing of Mr. George Cannon. 

Mr. Cannon passed away on Monday, January 8, 2024 at McLeod Hospice House in Florence, SC. 

Arrangements will be announced by Davis Funeral Home, LLC of Hartsville, SC.

“… I have loved you with an everlasting love, I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.   I will build you up again …” Jeremiah 31:3

On Monday, January 8th, the earthly temporary life of George Levan Cannon peacefully came to an end as he gained his wings to take flight for his eternal life in heaven.

The youngest sibling to join the union of Alonzo “LC” and Eliza Lyde Cannon he was born on August 24, 1949.

George, as he was called by many will always be remembered affectionally as “Van” by his family and close friends, “GC and Dad by his daughters, “Papa” by his grandchildren, and “Cannon” by his beloved wife.

George received his formal education through the Hartsville area schools, proudly graduating from Butler High School with the Class of ’69.  He went to sojourn with the United States Air Force before moving to Washington DC.  He soon realized big city living was not for him and returned to his native Hartsville, SC.

Early in life he became a member of the Centenary United Methodist Church when the church was located on Marlboro Ave.  In the late 60’s a new church was erected and George was instrumental in the construction of the current church that sits at 830 S. Sixth Street.  A teenager at the time he was very useful, and in his own words “handing lumber, blocks and bricks, crawling up and down ladders and doing stuff the older fellas were afraid to do.”

He worked various jobs; first as an Orderly at the old Byerly Hospital.  He later gained employment at Klopman Mills before becoming Hartsville’s first full time black fireman.  After leaving the fire department George spent 23 years at Nucor Steel.

A family man he was, and God blessed him with his beloved wife, Willie Mae McCall Cannon.  The couple celebrated their 50th anniversary on September 15, 2023. This union was blessed with two daughters, Qiana and Marci.  Then three granddaughters and a great-grand son was added.

George was a friend to many, and an associate to all he encountered.  There are so many other things to be written about him, but let a life well lived, his work ethics, character and integrity speak for him.

He is survived by his wife, Willie Mae Cannon, daughters - Qiana L. Cannon and Marci G. Cannon, granddaughters - Qiersten E. Cannon, Kemoni A. Cannon and Qieryn G. Cannon, and great-grandson - Qai B. Cannon, siblings - Delores C. Whetstone, James D. Cannon (Naomi), Willie E. Cannon, his twin Sharon A Cannon-Mann (Garland), a host of nieces and nephews, in-laws, relatives, and The Rufus Bess Sr. Family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings - Wellington (Monkey) Cannon, Dianne C. Mitchell and Alonzo Cannon.