William Ray Cannon, age 72, passed away Monday, April 29, 2024, at Ogeechee Area Hospice.

Ray was born June 7, 1951, and was a lifelong resident of Bulloch County. He graduated from Statesboro High School in 1970. Ray was a member of Statesboro Primitive Baptist Church.

Ray worked at Belk Department Store, Statesboro, for seven years. He then began his 31-year career of service to the community with the Bulloch County Sheriff's Department. Ray began his career as a peace officer in 1985 and retired as a lieutenant in charge of courthouse security in 2016.

Ray was a true American cowboy in heart, deed and attire, especially his cowboy boots.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carroll Cannon and Doris Cannon Lee; and his stepfather, Winston Lee, all of Statesboro, Georgia.

Ray is survived by his brothers, Raybon Cannon, and his wife, Julia, Cumming, Georgia; and Ronald Cannon, and his wife, Linda, The Villages, Florida; a nephew, John Cannon; a niece, Karen Cannon Copeland; a very special cousin, Lynell Rushing, Statesboro, Georgia; and several other cousins.

He is fondly remembered and loved by many friends and family.

Ray will be missed, particularly by his devoted friends, Karen and Fred Grabenstein and Beth and Joe Mathews.

Visitation began at 10 a.m. before Ray’s memorial service at Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at 11 a.m. Elder Randy Waters  officiated.

In place of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be sent to Ogeechee Area Hospice, 200 Donehoo Street, Statesboro, Georgia 30458.

Friends may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com.

Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home, Statesboro, Georgia, is in charge of arrangements.

Statesboro Herald, May 4, 2024

Sign the Legacy online guestbook at www.statesboroherald.com.