Courtland – Carroll Gene Cannon, 71, passed away September 4, 2014. Born in Emporia, VA, he was the son of the late David H. and Mary King Cannon and was predeceased by his brother, Melvin Cannon.

He was a member and former deacon of Sycamore Baptist Church.

He was a train engineer, retiring from Norfolk and Southern Railroad with 35+ years of service.

He was a Navy veteran and a member of American Legion Charles R. Younts Post 73 (Franklin), having served in various capacities (Post and District) and was currently serving as 1st Vice Commander. He took great pleasure with his association with the Virginia Boys State Program; serving as a counselor for the last seven years and served for the last two years as counselor with the Junior Law Cadet Program.

Survivors include his loving family: wife of almost 46 years, "Ella" Jean Gordon Cannon, two daughters, Tammy C. Woods and husband, Mike, and Leslie C. Whitehead and husband, Leonard, and two granddaughters, Kelsey and Kristen Whitehead and his very special pets, Bobby and Pepper, all of Courtland.

The funeral service will take place at 3:00 PM on Sunday, September 7, 2014 at Wright Funeral Home, Franklin with Dr. Roger Crump and the Rev. Hoyle Green officiating. Burial with military honors will be at Riverside Cemetery in Courtland.

Visitation will be Saturday, September 6, 2014, 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Wright Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Sycamore Baptist Church Memorial Fund, 31120 Sycamore Church Road, Franklin, VA 23851, or Legion Post 73 – "Virginia Boys State Program," – P O Box 873, Franklin, VA 23851.