House Concurrent Resolution 90

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE OF MR. WILLIAM ANDREW CANNON FOR SERVICE DURING WORLD WAR II AND CIVILIAN SERVICE THEREAFTER AND EXPRESSING OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS ON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, Mr. William Andrew Cannon departed this life on February 28, 2002, causing great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Cannon, a longtime resident of Mississippi, was born on August 25, 1920, in Sweeny, Texas, moving to Corinth, Mississippi, at the age of two; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from Corinth in 1938, Mr. Cannon attended Western Kentucky University School of Business in Bowling Green, Kentucky, from 1938 to 1941; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Cannon, in 1941, after completing his studies in Bowling Green, became a managing partner of the Van Bibber Lumber Plant situated in Fulton, Mississippi, before joining the United States Air Force to serve in World War II; and

WHEREAS, during military service to his nation, Mr. Cannon, a pilot with the 463rd Bombardment Group, served as 1st Lieutenant while stationed in Foggia, Italy, from 1943 to 1946; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Cannon, along with the personnel of the 463rd Bombardment Group, exhibited commendable efficiency in skill, devotion, courage and determination while facing intense enemy opposition, flying gallantly through in wing formation to reach their designated target; and

WHEREAS, in 1945, on the Isle of Capri, Mr. Cannon married the former Lucy de Forcade de Biaix; and

WHEREAS, receiving an honorable discharge as 1st Lieutenant in May 1946, Mr. Cannon, received a Second War Department Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty in military operation against the enemy; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Cannon, upon being discharged in 1946, returned to the Van Bibber Lumber Plant in Fulton serving as a partner until 1954 before joining the Department of Defense in 1955, working as Maintenance Control Engineer for Public Works at the Naval Support Facility until 1983; and

WHEREAS, in 1983, Mr. Cannon joined Naval Communications Mediterranean as Facility Manager, retiring from that post on March 31, 1990; and

WHEREAS, having received numerous awards for active service, Mr. Cannon, at the time of his retirement, received the Department of Navy's Meritorious Award for Civilian Service and a commendation certificate for 38 years of service to the United States government; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Cannon's patriotic leadership, work ethic, congenial nature, constructive attitude, dedication to his country, and his forthright manner made a positive impact on all those who had the pleasure of working with him; and

WHEREAS, having retired to Booneville, Mississippi, where he was an avid golfer, Mr. Cannon was loved and motivated by a supportive family and survivors, which consists of: his loving wife, Lucy de Forcade Cannon; his son, Fred; his daughter, Tina Jennie; and his six grandchildren, Carlo, Crystel, Francesco, Elena, Lauren and Guglielimo; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to pay special tribute to the life of such an outstanding citizen as Mr. Cannon, whose patriotic fervency and love for this nation was exhibited during his life through his service to the United States during World War II and thereafter:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the life of Mr. William Andrew Cannon for the meritorious service he provided this nation during World War II and his civilian service thereafter and express our deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mr. William Andrew Cannon and the members of the Capitol Press Corps.