Jackie Nelson Cannon , 79, of Troup, formerly of Shelbyville, passed away Sunday, October 16, 2016, in Whitehouse.

Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 19, 2016, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Bro. Clint Covington officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. A visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Mr. Cannon was born September 4, 1937, in Shelbyville, to Jack Cannon and Odell Fittz Cannon. He graduated from Shelbyville ISD, where he was very involved in athletics. He went on to earn his Master's Degree at Stephen F. Austin University. While attending Stephen F. Austin, he played four years of college football. After graduation, Mr. Cannon returned to his High School Alma Mater, Shelbyville ISD. There, he led the Dragons in eleven undefeated games before being defeated in the State Playoff. Many of those players are still local. In 2002, Mr. Cannon retired from public school administration. Following retirement, he moved back to Shelby County, where he lived until about two years ago. Mr. Cannon was an active member of SFA Alumni Association, serving as President for several years. He was awarded The SFA Distinguished Alumnus Award.

He is survived by
Mother: Odell Cannon of Whitehouse

Stepchildren:
John Wayne Covington and wife, Becky, of Troup
JoLea Rucker and husband, Billy Joe, of Troup
Jill Gay and husband, Sandy, of Texarkana

9 Step Grandchildren

Brother: Calvin Cannon and wife, Sandy, of Troup

Sister: Sherry Cannon Neal of Saint Francisville, Louisiana

Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends

Preceded in death by
Wife: Joann Howard Cannon
Son: Chris Cannon
Father: Jack Cannon
Nephew: Chip Cannon

Memorial donations can be made to Stephen F. Austin Athletic Scholarship Fund, 1936 North Street, Nacogdoches, Texas 75962.