H. Richard Cannon

Rev. H. Richard Cannon, 78, went to be with the Lord on December 4, 2010, after a long illness. Visitation is Tuesday, December 7, 2010, from 5-8 p.m. at funeral home and Wednesday, December 8, 2010, from 12-2 p.m. at church. Funeral services are 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 8, 2010, at French Camp Presbyterian Church with burial in the French Camp Cemetery. Jordan Funeral Home in Kosciusko is handling the arrangements. Mr. Cannon was born in Asheville, NC on October 13, 1932. He graduated from Ft. Lauderdale High School and received his BA degree at Columbia International University. Mr. Cannon did graduate studies at Biola University in California, Wheaton College in Illinois, and Westminister Seminary in Pennsylvania. In 1956, Mr. Cannon married his high school sweetheart, Carol Kretzler. Together they served as missionaries to New Guinea. Mr. Cannon had several successful ministries. He pastored two churches, one in Philadelphia, PA and one in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. In 1977, Mr. Cannon became the President of French Camp Academy, where he served for 26 years before retirement. The Lord blessed his vision with the founding of WFCA Radio Station, the Bed & Breakfast, the Drane Home, the building of a new high school building and four dormitories, as well as growth that included the expansion of the Historical Area and Camp programs. In addition, he facilitated the acquisition of Chamberlain Hunt Academy to begin the joint ministry between the two organizations. Survivors include: his wife, Carol; two daughters, Kimberly Cannon and Christina Cannon Beutin; one son, Kevin Cannon; three brothers, Jack Cannon of Winter Haven, FL, Allen Cannon of Pelahatchie, FL and Dan Cannon of Bowie, Maryland; and two granddaughters, Taylor Cannon and "Kiki" Beutin. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Columbia International University, Evangelical Alliance Mission, or French Camp Academy.