Robert Gene Cannon

Robert Gene Cannon, Sr., 81, of Knoxville went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday morning, June 5, 2014. He was born on April 17,1933. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Navy and served on the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt aircraft carrier. He worked for the Knoxville Police Department early in his career and then for the Knoxville Fire Department for 31 years and retired as Assistant Fire Chief in 1998. He loved working in the Fire Department, where he helped start the Hazardous Materials Team, and was proud of the men he worked with. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, artist and outdoors man and helped start the first Tennessee Hunters Safety Class. "Pappy" or "Chief' as many people called him is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Evelyn Maxine Newman Cannon and parents, Robert F. Cannon and Olie Ruth DeLapp Cannon. He is survived by children Robert G. Cannon, Jr. (Suzanne) and Debbie Cannon Garrett (Donald). He is also survived by grandchildren, Mandy Rogers Henry (Matt), Clint Rogers and Jason Cannon (Cosheene) and great grandson, Samuel Dean Henry. He will also be sadly missed by his little pet dog, B.B. Funeral service 7 pm Sunday at Mynatt Funeral Home Halls Chapel, Chaplin Paul Trumpore officiating. In lieu of flowers donations maybe made to St. Jude or East Tennessee Childrens Hospital. Family and friends will meet 10:15 am Monday at Mynatt Funeral Home Halls and proceed to Ft. Sumter Community Cemetery for interment service at 11. Receiving of friends will be 5 to 7 pm Sunday at Mynatt Funeral Home Halls Chapel.