Nass Cannon

Nassif J. Cannon, Jr., M.D., 74, died January 18, 2018, aware of God's presence and surrounded by his family. He was a devout Catholic, who spent his life growing in faith and wisdom, while devoting himself to his loving family and medical practice. In addition to attending Mass daily, he engaged in deep contemplative prayer and was a Thomas Merton scholar. He shared his insights into the writing of this Catholic mystic nationally and globally, and through ongoing collaboration with other Merton scholars. Understanding of Merton and Christian spirituality enriched his daily life. He was fully and lovingly present to the many people who came to know him personally and in his healing medical practice. Born in Farmville, North Carolina on January 27, 1943, to Lebanese immigrant parents, he was the youngest of four siblings. Two older sisters survive him with great admiration for his life. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame and the University of North Carolina Medical School. He left North Carolina in 1969 for internship, residency and fellowships at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Medical School in Birmingham, Alabama, his home for the rest of his life. He continued his practice of medicine as a Clinical Professor of Medicine at the medical school. In 1983, Dr. Cannon became a highly valued physician at Cooper Green Hospital and later served patients at the Cooper Green Mercy Clinic. At Cooper Green he held various positions, including Chief of Staff for twelve years. Serving the poor and forgotten was central to his mission, teaching of residents, and personal life. In 1971, he married Gail Barber, the love of his life. Together they raised three children, all currently active in professional lives. Their home was filled with good humor, love, and devotion to each other's welfare; the children have carried that spirit into their adult lives. Dr. Cannon brought boundless generosity to all aspects of life, especially his family, teaching, healing, and sharing with people in need. Much of his charity was quiet and unseen. Family members appreciate all of his caregivers and are particularly thankful to the staff of the UAB Palliative and Comfort Care Unit for their attentive kindness, teamwork, and support in providing compassionate care. Dr. Cannon was preceded in death by his parents, Laurice and Nassif Cannon; his brother, George Cannon; and his nephew, George Cannon, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Gail Barber; sons, Brother John Cannon and Bryant Cannon (Chelsea DeWitt); daughter, Clare Barber Cannon; sister, Guitta Joseph (Ellis) and their children, Ellis, Laurice, and Paula; sister, Vera Gast; George and Kathryn Cannon's children, Stephen (Teresa) and their children, Everest and Sierra, Stephen and Shannon's child, Sophia; Laura's children, Eli and Noah; and George Jr. and Michelle's children, Griffin, Makenna, and Grantham. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to: Carmelite House of Studies, P.O. Box 260, Mt. Angel, OR, 97362; the UAB Palliative and Comfort Care Unit, 1713 6th Ave. South, Birmingham, AL, 35233; and The World's Children, P. O. Box 2345, Sisters, OR, 97789. A visitation will be held at Farmville Funeral Home, 4226 East Church St., Farmville, NC, 27828, on Friday, February 2, 2018 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m, rosary at 7:30 p.m. Funeral service at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church, 3455 South Contentnea St., Farmville, NC, 27828, on Saturday, February 3, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. with burial to follow at Crestlawn Memorial Gardens, 4965 U.S. Highway 258, Farmville, NC, 27828. A visitation and service were previously held in Birmingham, Alabama on January 21 and 22, 2018.

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