Stewart L. Judge Cannon

Judge Stewart 'Buddy' Lafayette Cannon, Jr., 84, of 1005 Tulip Street, Johnson City, died Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at his residence. Mr. Cannon was a native of Blowing Rock, NC, who had lived most of his life in Johnson City. He was the son of the late Mary Ella Crisp and Stewart Lafayette Cannon, Sr. He was a member of Central Baptist Church, where he served as organist for eight years, assistant organist for forty years, led two choirs, and taught Sunday school. His passion for music and service of churches led him to serve as organist at St. Johns Episcopal Church and choir director of First Baptist Church, Erwin, as well. He was a proud U. S. Navy veteran and member of the American Legion. Judge Cannon served as Judge of the Washington County General Sessions Court for twenty-nine years. He considered it an honor to fulfill his duties and serve with the fine members of the bar. He was Adjunct Professor at ETSU, where he taught Criminal Justice. He was active in the Johnson City Community Theatre, where he served as accompanist and actor in many productions. Judge Cannon served on the board of the Johnson City Symphony for seventeen years. Survivors include: his wife, Norma Jean Tucker Cannon, of the home; daughter, Connie Cannon Taylor, and her husband, John, Johnson City; two grandsons, Christopher Cannon Taylor, Knoxville, and Wesley Keith Taylor, Johnson City; three sisters-in-law, Barbara Tucker Grubbs, and her husband, Bill, Augusta, GA, Margaret Anne Brashears, and her husband, Michael, Johnson City, Teresa Tucker, and her daughter, Carly, Gray; very special cousin, Ralph Norman, and his wife, Linda, Knoxville; god-granddaughter, Mary Alice Baldwin, Johnson City; and cousins. The family will like to extend thanks to those who led and assisted with Mr. Cannons care: Dr. Clarence Spannuth, Dr. Ahmed Khan, Dr. Rebecca Copeland, Caris Hospice, Nonni Weir, Kim Hall, Angela Oliver, Nancy Jenkins, Shamra Killen, and Kim Howell. The family would also like to acknowledge, Debbie Tyree, who is a most cherished and devoted caretaker who has become a member of the family in her time of service. The family of Stewart Cannon will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Thursday, August 11, 2011 in the Central Baptist Church Welcome Corridor. Funeral services will follow at 7:30 PM in the church sanctuary. Dr. Ron Murray, Dr. James Cox, and Rev. R. Willard Warfield will officiate. Pallbearers will be: Bill Russell, John Young, Judge John Kiener, Judge Tom Seeley, Frank and John Bolus, Dr. Sam Wiles, Alan Renfro, and Fred Phillips. Honorary pallbearers will be: Ted Beach, Dennis Powell, Doug Zimmerman, Don Squibb, A. D. North, Joe Correll, Paul Lilley, Carroll Murphy, Gary Sparks, Dr. Peter Frizzell, Jim Flugrath, Bo Woodhall, members of the Washington County Bar Association, members of the William Rigell Sunday School class, and members of the Nativic Civitan Club. Graveside services for Judge Cannon will be conducted 11:00 AM Friday, August 12, 2011 in the Monte Vista Memorial Park. Friends are asked to meet at the cemetery for those services. For those who wish memorials may be made to, Central Baptist Church, Music Department, 300 North Roan Street, Johnson City, TN 37601, or the Johnson City Community Theatre, 600 East Main Street, Johnson City, TN 37601.