Carroll Cannon, 87, passed away Friday, December 5, 2025 in Morristown, TN.
Born in Burke County, NC on January 26, 1938, he was the son of the late J.W. Cannon and Nellie L. Cannon.
Carroll was a member of First Baptist Church in Morganton and retired from the NC Department of Corrections. He was an avid sports fan, especially of the Tarheels, and coached basketball and baseball at the Morganton Recreation Center for many years. He enjoyed traveling, listening to Statler Brothers music, and especially spending time with family.
Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Andy Cannon, Angie Buchanan (Al), and Michael Cannon (Lauren); grandchildren, Gavin Cannon (Amber), Megan Cannon (Chris), Alex Buchanan (Kelly), Ashlyn Buchanan, Emma Cannon, and Dylan Hathcock; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.
In addition to his parents, Carroll was preceded in death by his wife, Rita Jean Grady Cannon; daughter, Crystal Longpre; brother, Francis “Babe” Cannon; sister, Aileen Parker; and nephew, Tommy Parker.
The family will receive friends from 12 to 1 p.m., Friday, December 12, 2025 at Sossoman Funeral Home. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home with Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Zion Memorial United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Carroll Cannon.
I will never forget the many years I've known you and how we picked on each other over the Tarheels and Duke! I enjoyed talking to you at the rec center or at the softball fields when you were keeping score. Give Richard Causby a hard time in Heaven. We will miss you my friend.
Carroll Cannon’s positive influence on hundreds of young people through his City of Morganton Recreation volunteer coaching etc is unmeasurable. Carroll and Rita were faithful members of First Baptist Church Morganton. Rita was a long time choir member. Carroll and Rita supported our Mimosa Christian Counseling Center FBC Both are very much missed! Ed Hardin
Carroll coached youth sports and worked part time for over 35 years with the City of Morganton Recreation Department. His devotion and love of working with the youth of Morganton benefited thousands of children. His gentleness and caring for all those around him will forever be missed.