Michael Robert Cannon's Obituary
Michael Robert Cannon (1952-2024)
Michael Robert Cannon, 72, of Memphis, Tennessee, died of Alzheimer’s complications on December 2nd.
He was born in Denver, Colorado in 1952 to Robert and Dorothy Cannon, and moved to North Little Rock Arkansas before settling in Memphis. Mike attended St. Louis Catholic School and Christian Brothers High School before obtaining a degree in Mathematics at Christian Brothers University. Mike had a successful career in software engineering for Holiday Inn, Amdahl, Siemens and Fujitsu.
Mike spent many hours at Sardis and Pickwick lakes as a semi-professional bass fisherman and found his passion for BBQ becoming an active volunteer for Memphis in May. Mike chaired multiple committees for the MIM World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, dedicating countless hours to the execution of the event, also writing MIM’s original electronic scoring system. He traveled across the southeast with his son, Ben, as a MIM ambassador, helping local organizations run successful BBQ contests. He proudly taught hundreds of MIM judges about good BBQ.
After decades of supporting BBQ behind the scenes, Mike took his knowledge onsite and became a successful competitive cook, winning many trophies including Top 3 at the MIM World Championships. Additionally, he competed in Memphis Italian Festival and enjoyed tinkering with his Italian gravy. What Mike was most known for was his friendship and willingness to share his vast knowledge.
He had a passion for music, especially the Beach Boys and Jimmy Buffett. He loved sitting on the lawn for concerts at the Levitt Shell. Mike enjoyed volunteering for organizations such as WKNO and supporting the Memphis Child Advocacy Center through the annual Reindeer Party.
Mike is survived by his son Ben Cannon (Erin) and granddaughters Colleen and Kelly, his sister Kerry Snyder (Matt), dear friend Ellen Patrick, and countless other friends and family. Mike was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Dorothy Cannon, and siblings Charles Cannon and Kathleen Cannon.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Memphis Child Advocacy Center.
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