Stephen Cannon

On August 10, 2021, Stephen Bernard Cannon, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, after a courageous battle with cancer. Steve was born on January 21, 1954, in Spartanburg, SC. He was the son of the late John Richardson Cannon and Betty Humphries Cannon. Steve attended Spartanburg High School, graduating in 1972. He continued his education at The Citadel, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. Later, he pursued a Master of Education in Mental Retardation from Peabody College, and eventually completed his education by earning a Doctor of Philosophy in the Education of Exceptional Children from The University of Georgia. Steve met the love of his life, Karen Ponder, and they wed in 1987. Steve and Karen were married 33 years and lived in Spartanburg, SC. Steve was a successful businessman, who took over the family business, Law Insurance Agency, Inc., in 1996 as a third-generation owner. He worked at Law Insurance Agency for over 35 years. He also was an adjunct professor at University of South Carolina Upstate for over 31 years where he taught psychology and education courses. Steve was a lifetime and devoted member of Bethel United Methodist Church, where he led the Special Education Department for more than 25 years. Steve had a compassionate heart for working with individuals who were intellectually impaired after being inspired by his sister, Suzanne. He was also a past Lay Leader and served on numerous committees and boards. A true Christian leader of his family, Steve loved the Lord and was a consummate gentleman and a devoted and loving husband, father, brother, and friend. Steve had a servant’s heart and was extremely devoted to the Lord, his family, his church, and his community. Steve was an Admissions Liaison Officer with the United States Air Force Academy. He served as the State Director for the SC Air Force Liaison Officers for seven years. Steve received a National Lifetime Achievement award from the Air Force Academy. He retired from the United States Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel. Steve was an active member of the Spartanburg Lions Club, where he served as past president and secretary for over 20 years and was designated as a Melvin Jones Fellow. Steve served on the Board of Directors of the YMCA of Greater Spartanburg and was the chairman of the YMCA of Greater Spartanburg Annual Fund. Steve served on the Charles Lea Center Board of Directors and on the Boy Scouts’ Palmetto Council Eagle Review Board. He was the January 2021 recipient of the Caring for the Carolinas award. He had a love of music and enjoyed playing his French horn in the Spartanburg Community Band. He will forever be remembered for his infectious laugh, corny jokes, and outgoing personality. Steve never met a stranger and found joy in connecting with others. He loved others deeply and was a true family man. He enjoyed watching endless episodes of NCIS, playing with his grand dog, Milli, and eating his “secret” midnight snacks. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and community.

Surviving in addition to his wife of thirty-three years, Karen Ponder Cannon, are son, John Thomas Cannon (Kimberlee) of Irmo, SC, and mother, Betty Humphries Cannon of Spartanburg, SC. Steve is also survived by numerous cousins. He was also pre-deceased by his sister, Alice Suzanne Cannon.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, August 13, 2021, at Bethel United Methodist Church with the Reverend Arthur Holt, Reverend Brad Gray and Reverend Cam Treece officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service in the church sanctuary from 1:00-2:45 PM. Interment, with full military rites, will be held at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens following the service at 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Road, Spartanburg, SC 29307. Pallbearers include Vic Bailey III, Mark Barry, Anthony Dawkins, Atticus Fehl, Scott Fleming, Carr Lockwood, Doug Mueller, and Jamey Snead. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the Bethel United Methodist Church Special Education Department. Steve wanted to give special recognition to the following groups: the Spartanburg Community Band, the YMCA of Greater Spartanburg Board, the Charles Lea Center Board, and the Spartanburg Lions Club. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bethel Special Education Department or the Bethel General Fund, 245 South Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306, The YMCA of Greater Spartanburg, 151 Ribault Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302, or a charity of your choosing. The family expresses many thanks to the nurses and staff with the Spartanburg Regional Hospice Team. The family is especially grateful for the love and care provided by Steve’s nurses, Diann, Mylena, Kim, and Amy, and his hospice chaplain, Andrew Fischer. The family encourages persons attending to wear masks.