Roger Dale McCannon
Roger Dale McCannon, 76, of Elberton, died Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at The Oaks in Athens after a long battle with dementia.
The fifth of six children, Roger was born in Athens on June 1, 1948, to Robert and Edith Irene Patten McCannon. He was a 1966 graduate of Oglethorpe County High School and furthered his education at the University of Georgia.
He served his country faithfully in the Army National Guard. Roger learned the value of hard work from his father, who died when Roger was only 16. He immediately went to work helping support his mother and siblings, and worked hard his entire life in order to support his family. He retired from BellSouth after 30 years of service as a lineman, owned and operated McCannon Tree Service for over 35 years, and worked for Hicks Funeral Home during his retirement.
He was also instrumental in establishing a quarry on the family farm, known as “The Blue Hole,” which provided much needed income to his mother and siblings.
Just as he did with his hard work ethic, Roger passed his love of hunting and fishing to his sons, Jason and Mark. Many hours were spent fishing on Clarks Hill Lake, and he proudly saved his yearly vacations and took the entire month of November off to go hunting.
Prior to the onset of dementia, Roger was a devoted deacon and member of First Baptist Church of Elberton, where he spent countless hours volunteering and sharing the gospel in his community. He also enjoyed volunteering locally for great causes, such as the Salvation Army and a jail ministry.
Roger is survived by his wife of 55 years, Barbie Gene Slay McCannon; sons and daughters-in-law: Jason and Jennifer McCannon of Vesta and Mark and Windy McCannon of Commerce; grandchildren: Missouri McCannon, Paige and Devin Turner, Jennifer McCannon, Jake McCannon and Jackson McCannon; great-grandchildren: Braxton Turner and Marley Turner; siblings: Connie DeFazio, Brenda and Tracy Graham, and Annie Rose Cernick; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
The family received friends from 5-7 p.m. Friday, June 7 at Berry Funeral Home.Funeral services celebrating Roger's life were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 8 in the Memorial Chapel of Berry Funeral Home with Jeff Franklin officiating. Burial was in Forest Hills Memorial Park.
Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in his memory to the Salvation Army of Elberton, 262 N. McIntosh St., Elberton, GA 30635.
Those wishing, may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com.
Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mr. Roger Dale McCannon.