Mr. Robert Steele Cannon, age 88, of Nashville, Tennessee passed away after a brief illness on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at The Residence of Alive Hospice surrounded by his family and friends. He was born July 31, 1937, in Graham, Tennessee. Robert was a graduate of Hickman County High School in 1956. His childhood was filled with fond memories of playing with friends, cousins, and siblings.

Robert is preceded in death by his devoted wife of 66 years, Loretta “Rita” Cannon; parents, Charles “Bob” Cannon and Ruth Cannon; brother, Charles Cannon; and sister, Nancy Loveless.

Robert is survived by his daughters, Kim Cannon and Kerri Cannon; chosen daughter, Renee’ Dowell; chosen grandchildren, Sarah Keel Heaton and Travis Keel; chosen great-grandchildren, Henry Heaton and Michael Heaton; sister, Gerry Loveless; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Robert loved all sports. In high school, he excelled at basketball and was part of the Centerville Bulldog Five. In his senior year of high school, he had the opportunity to referee some basketball games. He found that he enjoyed refereeing the game as much as playing. For over 30 years, he worked basketball games, umpired baseball, and officiated football at the high school level as well as three different college groups and wheelchair basketball associations across the USA. He worked numerous state basketball championships and Final Four wheelchair tournaments. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Middle Tennessee Basketball Official Association and was inducted into the Middle Tennessee Football Hall of Fame. He made many lifelong friends throughout his officiating with coaches, players, and fellow officials. He also enjoyed golf and played as often as possible with lifelong friends.

After getting married, Robert moved to Nashville in pursuit of a job. He worked for a short time as a Radio DJ, Coca Cola delivery route driver, and door to door salesman. In this role, he discovered his love for sales and connecting with people. He became a paint salesman traveling throughout Tennessee for Glidden Paint Company. His customers in small towns became friends and the relationship lasted long after he moved into management positions in the company. He retired after more than 40 years of dedicated service.

His life was defined by love and kindness to everyone. He was devoted to his wife of more than 66 years. On many occasions, he mentioned his proudest moment was becoming a father to his two daughters. He was a great friend to many and never met a stranger. Robert served his country in the Air Force Air National Guard at Berry Field in Nashville, Tennessee as Staff Sargeant in the 118th Supply Squadron from 1959 – 1965.

The family wishes to express our heartfelt thanks for your expressions of sympathy, caring, and compassion shown to us during these most difficult hours. Whether it was a prayer, a phone call, a visit, kind words, or your presence, we want you to know how much we appreciate it. Special thanks to the staff and residents at Harmony in Mount Juliet for embracing and making him part of your family for the past 2 years. He cherished and enjoyed your friendships and spending time with each of you.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Alive Hospice in Robert’s memory.