Granville “Bobby” Cannon’s Story
“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven” – Ecclesiastes 3:1
Grounded in scripture – Ecclesiastes 3:1 – we celebrate our beloved brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, Granville Robert Cannon.
A Time to be Born
Granville Robert “Bobby” Cannon was the sixth of seven children born to the late James Garfield and Amelia Ivella Waters Cannon in Philadelphia, PA on April 17, 1950. He was affectionately known as Bobby by all who knew and loved him.
A Time to Learn
Bobby was formally educated in the Philadelphia and Somerset County Public School System. Bobby graduated from Somerset High School in 1968 and later went on to attend the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES). During his tenure at Somerset High School, Bobby learned and became passionate about the game of basketball, under the tutelage of the late Coach Joe Robinson. Bobby was not your average basketball player. He had a 3-point shot before the 3-point shot was called a 3-point shot. During the 1968 Class C Semi-Finals, Bobby scored 40 points and today the legacy for his efforts is recorded in the MPSSAA (Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association) Winter Record Book.
Bobby would take his winning ways to UMES, where he was on the 1974 Hawks Basketball team that won the (NIT) National Invitation Tournament under the direction of the late John Bates. UMES was the first HBCU to gain berth in this tournament. Bobby earned the nickname “Stumpy” from his teammates. He never lost sight of his Somerset heritage and often spoke of the nurturing he received from the late Coaches Robinson and Bates, and teachers such as the late Nathan Collins, the late Robert Capers, as well as many other African American teachers. Bobby would later pay forward what he learned to countless young men and women in the Amateur Athletic League (AAU). He was always excited to pass on his knowledge, skills, abilities, and love of the game to many youths on the eastern shore. Before his unexpected passing he occasionally volunteered to help the Washington High School Jaguars (Princess Anne, MD) and could often be seen in the gym mentoring students.
A Time to Work
After leaving college, Bobby entered the military. He enlisted and served two years in the United States Navy. After receiving an honorable discharge, he returned to Princess Anne where he was gainfully employed by Shawnee Homes and Bel-Art (now SPI Industries) for several years, Quality Staffing, and most recently with Tidal Health Chesapeake. He shared that he loved his new job because it allowed him to work with Christian People who loved talking about the Lord as much as he did.
A Time to Choose God
Bobby loved and had a serious, intentional relationship with the Lord! He looked for opportunities to seek the Master and to bring others to Christ. “Disciple” would be an appropriate name to call him. Just a few weeks ago, he had the privilege (with the help of his Pastor) of praying the prayer of salvation with his coach and mentor the late Coach Joe Robinson. He also prided himself in having prayed the prayer of salvation with our mother.
He studied scripture and journaled at 5:00 AM in the morning. For him this was his quiet time with the Lord, and he would reflect that, “it was the time that he put on the full Armor of God before going out into this crazy world.” He was a devoted member of Grace Tabernacle of Deliverance in Laurel, Delaware. He traveled from Princess Anne to Laurel every Sunday to worship with Pastor Donald and First Lady Lucy Redden. He loved his church family. During the fall of 2022, he shared his experiences with Grace Tabernacle of Deliverance with his sister in Baltimore and expressed how much he loved his church family.
A Time to Love
Bobby loved his UMES Hawk Family and constantly spoke about the Hawk Line and Dr. Michael Casey, Joanne Shaw, Billy Gordon and Sticky Bun and so many more. He also loved his lifelong best friend Michael Dennis whom he spoke of often and talked about how they would still just hang out together. He loved each family member with an agape love and tried his best to lead as many people to Christ as he could.
A Time to Gather Stones: and a Time to Embrace
He was a father figure for his nephews and demanded they call him “Uncle Bobby.” He was also a father figure to many other young men and women who played for him on his AAU teams. He loved to visit his sister (Marjorie) in Baltimore. They would often spend time talking about the Lord, reading scriptures, or enjoying a gospel music ministry. During the fall of 2022 he spent a lot of Friday afternoons with Marjorie as if to prepare her for what was to come. His conversations with Marjorie never ended without him expressing the goodness of the Lord! Over the last year and a half (after the loss of their sister Peggy) he would pick up his sister Emma from work and the three of them (Emma, Bobby and Marjorie) would spend time on the phone reminiscing about the good old days. During those precious moments he never failed to praise the Lord.
A Time for an Earthly Farewell
We celebrate the life and times of the gentle man found in Granville Robert Cannon who passed away suddenly on Wednesday, December 28, 2022. Bobby leaves to cherish his memories, his two sisters Emma Cannon of Salisbury, Maryland, and Dr. Marjorie Miles (Tyrone) of Catonsville, MD, nieces Karen Cannon, Robin Kersey and Fran Cropper, nephews Edwin & Andrew Waters, Freddy Corbin, Terry Cannon, Keith Jackson, Kim Hall, Jr., Garth Cannon, and Justin Miles all of whom he loved dearly! He also leaves two young man who he raised as his own Jason Kersey (great nephew) and Keyon Murphy, along with several great nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends and acquaintances.
Bobby will be laid to rest on Bowland Hill. Welcoming him home will be his mother (Amelia) and father (James), his sisters (Wilma, Peggy and Vivien), his brother (Jimmy), along with all of his aunts and uncles who transitioned this life before him. His funeral services are being held at Metropolitan United Methodist Church because it is where his mother and father were united in marriage. This union was the beginning of his family line and Bowland Hill is the place where so many of his family members have been laid to rest.
A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Metropolitan United Methodist Church, 30522 Dr. William P. Hytche Blvd., Princess Anne, MD with a viewing one hour prior. A viewing will also be held 6:00 PM-8:00 PM Friday, January 13, 2023 at Anthony E. Ward, Jr. Funeral Home in Princess Anne. Interment will be at John Wesley ( Bowland Hill ) Cemetery in Princess Anne.
39 Responses
SENDING PRAYER’S AND OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE CANNON FAMILY !
Sending condolences and prayers to the Cannon Family from the Redding Family.
Sending Prayers and my condolences to the Cannon Family during your time of bereavement. Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.
Sending my condolences to the Cannon Family during your time of bereavement. Bobby was a great friend of mind and I will miss him. The last time we talked was at Coach Bates funeral.
My Sincere and Deepest Sympathy goes out to Family Cannon in this hour of mourning. Granville and I had a Dear Friendship and He will be truly missed and not forgotten…. GOD Bless
Sending condolences to the Cannon family from the Maddox family
Sending condolences to the Cannon family! Be grateful for the precious memories you have of Bobby🙏
My condolences to the Cannon Family. Bobby was a dear friend of mine and my father. RIP Brother!
Was very instrumental in developing my basketball skills and a true friend indeed. He also loved the Lord and always greeted me with a warm smile. He will truly be missed. Condolences to the e family. My prayers are with you
A basketball court lined with gold awaits his entry. My heart is really sad to have lost a cousin and friend. He was one of the best basketball players in the State of Maryland and Somerset County. I’m thankful I had the opportunity to speak with Bobby on several occasions lately. My love, sympathy and condolences to my cousins, Margie and Emma. I love you and God does too.
Sending heartfelt sympathy, love, and prayers to the Cannon family. May our Heavenly Father be a comforter and give you strength. God bless you.
Deepest condolences 💐 love Shanee
Long time friend and Basketball Competitor. Great mentor, he meant so much to do many. He will truly be missed. Our will cherish our last conversation, of course it was at a game and about Basketball.
Rest Easy My Friend.🏀🏀 🏀
To The Family I am Praying for you. May God Continue to Bless and Comfort you. Life seems so Strange but We All know that This Old World is Not Our Home. Bobby was not just my friend he was my Brother in Christ. Bobby was always trying to make sure he Ministered The Word of God to who ever would listen. He got your Attention because he was truly Preaching The Gospel. I enjoyed all of Our Prayers and Bible Study Lessons. One thing for Certain and two things for Sure is Bobby was Serious about his life in Christ. And I know that he will be wearing A Crown. This has really troubled my heart ❤️ because he alway said he wanted me to speak at his Funeral and I told him you’ll be here forever and he said you know we all have to go sometime. I’m going to miss you my friend. Bobby last two days living he telling People to Get Their Life in Order. Right up to his days he was Spreading The Word of God. Marjorie I love you and your family and I am here for you if you need me. ❤️
Sending love and prayers to his family. Great memories. You will be missed.
My forever friend that was a beacon of light to so many people. All that knew him could call him a true friend. He never failed to show love and support unconditionally. I could call him my Brother who was strong in his failth. Rest in Love enternally my forever friend and who my children called Uncle Bobby. You will be truly missed.
Sending prayers and my condolences to your family.
To the family: This is so hard. I send my love and sincere sympathy on Bobby’s passing. Bobby ministered to his beloved coach, Joe R. Robinson while he was in the hospital, at rehab and finally hospice care. Bobby was instrumental in helping to lead Joe back to Christ. We talked about the goodness of the Lord and the plans Bobby had for his future. May he rest in total peace!
A friend, a teammate, and a brother in Christ! My condolences to the Cannon family, praying for God’s peace and comfort accompanying the family during the grieving process.
Yet, we know where Bobby is and we rejoice in that.
God makes no mistakes, so long brother!
You will truly be missed my friend. This one hurts , I just spoke with you days before the holidays. I do thank God for allowing me to see and speak with on that day. I Learned so much about the game 🏀from you. It was a pleasure coaching with you, talking with you and taking that journey with you to teach and guide our youngsters. My condolences and deepest sympathies go out to the family, I pray God gives you all the strength to carry through. Rest easy my friend, teach them how to shoot that jumper in Heaven! #CoachBobby!
Love ❤️
Therman
Classmate. Teammate. Friend. Granville stopped me on the highway recently to try to visit Coach Robinson. Unfortunately, we could not locate him. Now Granville, who ministered to others, has gone to meet the Lord. Rest In Peace, Teammate and Friend. Peace be with you.
Sending our sincerest condolences to the Canon family and all who were a part of Granville’s life. Strength, comfort and peace to all of you through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 🙏🏾
My condolences to the family a good person I have known we always had great and many conversation I’m will truly miss you Bobby Cannon rest in heavenly peace
Sending love and prayers to the Cannon family and condolences.
My Condolences and Prayers to the family sorry for your loss much love to y’all. The Cannon Family.
May the Holy Spirit help heal this hurt that we all feel. Bobby was indeed a gentle and caring person. I shall forever miss our conversations.
Blessings abound; although, I hadn’t seen Granville since graduation (high school) my spirit was sadden to hear of his transition. I shall forever remember you as a gifted athlete (especially basketball). Being a champion on the court Granville is now victorious with life eternal. May each of you be enveloped in God’s comfort and peace
Condolences and prayers to the Cannon family.I will always remember that pleasing smile when ever we would see each other.He will truely be missed.
Fondly ,
Norma Lee Jones Boston
Sincere Condolences to Bobby’s family and friends. I remember those basketball games and his amazing talent. May your memories be a blessing as you remember his earthly walk. 🙏🏽
My condolences to the Cannon family. I will cherish the memories of our weekend road trips to Jersey City, New Jersey where Bobby and I would travel there to practice for our first record. Bobby was not only a phenomenal basketball player. He was an outstanding drummer that caught the attention of record producers in the New York area. Bobby had lots of talent and options. The two of us left Princess Anne in the 70’s. Bobby enlisted in the US Navy and I joined the Kool and the Gang organization. Our friendship continued throughout the years. May Bobby forever rest in peace.
My heartfelt condolences to the family. May God grant you peace and comfort during this difficult time. ✝️🙏🏾⚘️♥️
My condolences to Bobby’s family and friends. Bobby was a great friend, great teammate, and a great brother. Warmth always was projected from this man, and he will never be forgotten and will be missed. 🙏🏿
To Family and Friends: Heartfelt condolences and prayers for your strength and togetherness during this time.
To the Cannon family
I am so sorry to hear about your loss.
On behalf on Ocean City Basketball Classic ( AAU)
Bobby played in my basketball tournament for years. He always had good basketball teams. He would always give me helping hand. Once I started coaching college basketball at chesterpeak community College and catonsville community College, and now at Dundalk community College. Bobby would send me his players . I am going to miss my friend.
One of my very good friends him and Mike we use to enjoy schooling our competition on the basketball court. Of course we were younger then. We would often talk about the good days and of how we didn’t have the 3pointer back then. My friend will really be missed and my deepest condolences to his family.
Granville worked for our company for many years. We are all saddened by his loss but happy that he has gotten to be with his lord. He will definitely be missed and never replaced in our hearts. Fly high Granville and know you are missed. Thank you for always taking the time to stop by and talk with me and allowing me to get to know you. To the family – Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Take delight in all of the great memories that he has created on our earth.
Quality Staffing Services
My condolences to your family
I remember coming home from the military in 1967. I played basketball against Bobby in back of Leon Tilghman ‘s house. I saw those awesome basketball talents. I also saw his talents in the MEAC. He was a Cousin of my family. I saw so many qualities in this young man. I was saddened to hear about his early death. May God Bless this Young man.
My sincere prayers 🙏🏽and heartfelt ♥️sympathy goes out to the Cannon family. It really hurt to hear of your loss. Cannon will be missed. It was a pleasure to connect with your loved one. In my daily travels. I would occasionally see Cannon at the gas ⛽️ station. He always had something nice to say. He left an impression. If, he happen to see me parked 🚘on the side of the road. He actually took his precious time to check on me to see if I was okay. I was 👏🏽grateful for the few conversations we shared. Even though, they were brief caring moments. He was an exceptionally unique individual. One of a kind.
Rest In Peace!!
Where do I begin. Due to having COVID, I’m not able to say a last farewell to my good good friend, Bobby. I will cherish our last conversation the day before God said, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Bob, you were one heck of a mentor, coach, friend, and handyman, to name a few. I’m forever grateful for your wealthy contribution to my daughter’s basketball growth and career. You were loved and are truly missed. Take your rest Coach B! Love you forever!