Jimmy Ray Cannon

Posted on August 6, 2021

Jimmy Ray Cannon was born in Perry on Oct. 1, 1951, to Ira and Minnie Mary Jane (Gunter) Cannon.  He left his worldly body on Aug. 3, 2021.

He was a 1969 graduate of Taylor County High School. After high school, he attended Lake City Community College.

After college, he went on to work at Sports Craft and then was the “meat man” at Winn Dixie for 10 years. 

After leaving Winn Dixie he went to work for Buckeye Technologies where he was dubbed “Gator Man.” He was happily retired from Georgia Pacific after working for 29 years.

He was an avid Florida Gator fan and a season ticket holder for many years. He loved to hunt, fish and spend time feeding the “girls” (deer) in his back yard.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, and the following siblings: Winston Cannon, Jessie Mae Brunnel, Treva Chastain, Harley Cannon and Ira Cannon.

He is survived by his siblings, Pete Cannon and Geneva Slaughter, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Jimmy Ray’s greatest love was his wife of 47 years, Pamela.  

He is survived by his daughters, Jamie Burkett (her husband, James) and Sara Koch (her husband, Kevin). He was a beloved “Poppa” to his five grandchildren: Alexis, Morgan, Kage, Nicholas and Jillian.

Funeral services will be held today (Friday) at 2 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home of Perry with Pastor Steven Ruff officiating. Interment services will follow in Hendry Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, from 1-2 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, Jimmy Ray wished that donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Perry Youth Ministry Program.

All arrangements are under the direction of Burns Funeral Home of Perry. Friends may sign the online guest book at www.joepburnsfuneralhomes.com.