Ray Cannon

Ray Thomas Cannon, 92, of Castleton, Rappahannock County, Virginia died August 31, 2010, surrounded by his children, grandchildren and his favorite music. Mr. Cannon was born February 7, 1918 in Rappahannock County to James Franklin Cannon and Nena Belle Hockman Cannon. He graduated from Sperryville High School In 1938. During World War II he served in the Virginia Reserve Militia, sometimes known as the “Minute Men.” His military duties included service in the Army, Air Forces Aircraft Warning Service Reserve as a Chief Observer. Mr. Cannon was master of ceremonies for “The Blue Bonnett Boys” that aired on WFVA radio in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Throughout his life he delighted in picking a tune on his banjo or playing his harmonica. His fondness for bluegrass music lead him to Ruby Lee Stringfellow, the love of his life. They married in 1948. In 1956 Mr. Cannon donated the land for and assisted in founding the Castleton Community Fire Company. He held every office from First Fire Chief to President. In 2006 the Castleton Community Fire Company honored him for his 50 years of service and commitment. Mr. Cannon served as postmaster for Castleton for almost 40 years, succeeding his father, who was postmaster in Castleton for 26 years. From 1953 to 1980 the Castleton Post Office was located in his home. In 1951 he obtained his real estate license and began investing in real estate. As a farmer, he took great pride in his black Angus herd. He often had the top selling bulls at the Virginia Beef Cattle Improvement Association sales. In 1981 Mr. Cannon was recognized as the only Angus breeder in the State of Virginia to receive the coveted “Get of Sire” Award four times. That same year he and his wife, Ruby, received the Outstanding Soil and Water Conservation award for Rappahannock County. Mr. Cannon was a charter member of the Rappahannock County Lion’s Club having assisted in the organization of the club in 1958, and he was a director of Culpeper Enterprises. Doug Baumgardner, a beloved friend, delivered the eulogy during a private family ceremony in Culpeper, Virginia on Friday, the third of September, 2010. Mr. Cannon was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Ruby Lee Stringfellow Cannon; his son, James Michael Cannon and three brothers, Alphaeus Franklin Cannon, James W. Cannon and John W. Cannon. Mr. Cannon is survived by two daughters, Ann Cannon Powell, Donna Cannon Wilkers and Charles Wilkers, her husband; nine grandchildren: Bethany Powell and her husband, Todd James, David Powell, Meredith Powell, Ashleigh Cannon and her husband, Alex Sharp, Michael Cannon, Ross Wilkers, Lee Wilkers, Drew Wilkers and Rose Wilkers; and three nieces, Louise Grigsby, Margie Cannon and Terri Vieyra. Donations in memory of Ray Cannon may be made to his favorite charity, the Castleton Community Volunteer Fire Department, at 593 Castleton View Road, Castleton, Virginia 22716. Found and Sons Funeral Chapel of Culpeper handled the arrangements.

Ray Cannon

February 7, 1918 - August 31, 2010