Clifton George Cannon

     It is with heavy hearts that the family of Clifton George Cannon shares the news of his passing on Thursday, March 26, 2026. He was 94. Known as Clifton until his adult years, Cliff was born in Tabor City, NC to Jonah and Charlottie (Lottie) Cannon on May 3, 1931.

     Cliff’s natural ability to farm, his empathy for caregiving and his natural abundance of physical strength was needed early on. Just after becoming 13 years old, his father passed leaving him and his mother to sharecrop the 20 acres of corn, tobacco or cotton crops, while holding together their large young family. In 1950, the military changed his life course when Cliff enlisted into the U.S.A.F. at 19. His mother moved the family to Louisiana while he sent his checks to help support them. Lackland AFB (San Antonio, TX) began the trek with Basic Training followed by serving his country at NAS Keflavik Airport in Reykjavik, Iceland for 18 months. He arrived at Dover Air Force Base (DE) soon after. For the remaining eight years of his enlistment, Cliff was a part of the 1607 USAF Hospital as a medical driver/technician (EMT). By now, married with two children, Cliff was honorably discharged in 1961.

      He moved his family from Bowers Beach, DE to Lafayette, LA where he began his life long career as a certified Journeyman meat cutter. That profession took him to Hammond, LA before returning to Delaware in 1965. Cliff’s friendly manner, ready smile, and expert ability to provide and customize any cut of meat grew in reputation throughout downstate Delaware and parts of Maryland. It didn’t matter if he was behind the meat case at a Winn Dixie in Louisiana, a Safeway or Acme in Dover or Milford, DE, or helping out Kirby and Holloway’s Restaurant when he wasn’t trekking to local farms to trim or prep cuts from their livestock. He was always ready and prepared to perform his unique artisan craft and skill.

     His physical strength mirrored the strength of his deep Christian faith. From an early age, he enjoyed attending Tabor City First Baptist Church with his Aunt Sis. His love and talent of singing in the fields was just as great in the pew or pulpit when he and his sister, Louise, would join their voices in a duet. Cliff's passion for serving, most recently as a 52 year member of the First Baptist Church of Dover (DE), included teaching Sunday School. holding the position of Deacon, Treasury Secretary, usher/greeter and looking after the "littles" in the nursery.  Generally,  "making a joyful noise...” wherever he went, his love for music spanned gospel, country and 50's Rock and Roll.

     In addition to his parents, those who preceded in death were his brothers, Carlton (Carbo), Wallace and Pearlie Cannon; sisters: Ethel Curtis, Daffodene (Dean) Bourque, and Louise Capps; and daughter Cynthia (Cindy) Cannon.

     Cliff is survived by his wife of 70 years, Violet, of Frederica; his son, John (Maureen) Cannon of Dover; his daughter, Sharon Littenberg of Englewood, CO; his sister Patricia (Andy) Miller of St. Augustine, FL; grandchildren: Megan Henke of Centennial, CO, Christopher (Mollie) Littenberg, Benjamin (Lola) Littenberg of Glendale, CA; four great-granddaughters and four step great-grandsons; and 19 nieces and nephews.

     Family will gather for private services at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Online condolences may be made via www.pippinfuneralhome.com. 

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