Jerry R. Cannon

Jerry Randall Cannon, 70, passed away on April 10 in Sebring, Florida. Born in Tifton, GA, Jerry was raised in Eau Gallie, Florida before taking off to see the world' as a member of the United States Air Force. He served in Vietnam and a number of other locales before landing at Dyess Air Force base in Abilene, Tx., where he fell in love with the long flat lands and West Texas cowboy ways. After 20 years of service to his country he retired there for years before family called him back to Florida. He called Avon Park home until his death. He liked to pretend he was a cantankerous old fart but everyone knew he was a gentle, giving soul. That's, of course, unless he ever saw you treat a dog badly, scuff a pretty green on a golf course or attempt to mow his lawn (he has a specific way - and it was the ONLY way). Playing golf with is brothers-in-law and then, after they all passed on, his nephews, Chris and David (who he thought of as sons) was one of his greatest joys in life. He was the Big Dog' and always made sure to give them a fighting chance before he ultimately won and then bragged relentlessly about it. To his golfing companions we'd like to tell you he felt a little bad for all those times he farted or coughed on your backswing to distract you, but you know he wasn't. Not a bit. He was a blessed man in that he had two loves of his life, his first wife Peggy, who passed away after 25 years of marriage in 1989 and Polly, who only got 14 years of marriage but made Jerry a happier man in those years that he had been since the 80's. He requested no funeral and no boo hoo-ing. His family is honoring the first of those. In lieu of flowers, take a vet out for a round of golf and some fried chicken, adopt a small dog with a big heart from your local animal shelter, go see a Clint Eastwood movie, or make a donation to the Humane Society of Highlands County. And pull up your baggy pants for chrissakes. Jerry is survived by his wife, Polly, of Avon Park. His daughter Deborah Yvonne Cannon (Jenny Pitts) and granddaughter Ellison of Austin, Tx. Daughter Lisa Plotner (Shawn) of Melbourne. Granddaughter Jamie Avera (Brandon) and great-granddaughter Rei of Melbourne. Grandson David Orrison of Satellite Beach. And four-legged daughter Doodlebug. Stepsons Steve (Jenny) Woods and Greg (Cheri) Woods of New Marshville, OH, and step-daughter Rebecca Yancey of McConnelsville, OH. Along with seven step-grandchildren and one great grandchild. Sisters Nora (Bud) Cox of Loganville, Ga., and Rosie (Monroe) Cox of Melbourne. Also many, many, nieces and nephews who were much loved. Preceding Jerry in death is his first wife Peggy. Parents Olin and Lillian Cannon. Brother James Cannon. Sisters and brothers-in-law Betty and Bill Weaver, Mary and George Bullock and sister Pauline Wheelis. The family would like to thank the fantastic 3rd floor nurses of Florida Heartland Hospital for their outstanding care and compassion. Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home - Avon Park www.stephensonnelsonfh.com