Billy Cannaday

Bill Cannaday passed away in Smithville, Texas on December 31, 2017 surrounded by his family. Bill was one of five children and was born in Llano, Texas on October 6,1935 to James Lefford and Daisy Cannaday. He leaves behind his wife and eternal companion, Carlene (Jackson) Cannaday, just a few days shy of 60 years of marriage; his siblings: Bobby, Janice, and Debbie; four children and their spouses: Kenn and Dawn, Brad and Debbie, René and David, and Brent and Charlotte; 10 grandchildren: Carl, Rachel, Brian, Justin, Clint, Sheana, Cody, Clay, Alyssa, and Garrett; 15 great-grandchildren: Gabrielle, Alexandra, Jaden, Mikayla, Gavin, Maleah, Amara, Brett, Boston, Kylie, Hawkins, Shelby, Morgan, Ryan and Owen; and many close friends. Bill leaves a lasting legacy of service and true devotion to his family. The crowning blessing of his life came on January 10th, 1958 when he was married and sealed for time and all eternity to Carlene Jackson in the Salt Lake City Temple. Bill has a strong testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, and he has returned to his Father in Heaven and to his Savior. Bill is now with his mother; father; mother-in-law and father-in-law, AnnaBelle and Carl Jackson; as well as with his sister, GayNell Southworth; sisters-in-law, Jan Cannaday and Cari Jackson; and brother-in-law, John Jackson, all who preceded him in death. At a very young age, Bill spent only a short time in Llano before moving to Dallas. He later moved to Austin with his family when he was 3 years old. Bill grew up in Austin and was a proud graduate of Austin High. Following graduation, Bill began his lifelong career with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company while also attending classes at the University of Texas. Bill worked for Southwestern Bell in Austin, Galveston, and Houston. He spent the majority of his career in Houston and retired with 30 years of service. After retirement, Bill and Carlene worked together part-time for D & S Residential Services, making minor repairs to many group homes. Following his retirement, Bill moved back to some family property in the Austin area and devoted time to the things that he loved most, such as spending time with his family, serving the Lord, and traveling. While living out on the family property, he spent many hours fishing, four-wheeling, raising cattle, taking friends on hay rides, and even did some occasional farming. There have been many family members, scouts, and friends who have camped out and fished on the property as well. Throughout his life, Bill was very active in his church and served in many leadership capacities. He served as a Bishop over three different Wards or congregations (two in Houston and one in Austin). He also served in two Stake Presidencies, twice as a High Councilor, and as a Regional Welfare Agent. He truly loved serving others and valued the many relationships that he built with individuals over the years. Beyond his church service, nothing gave Bill more joy in life than spending time with his family. He loved every moment that he was able to spend with his children, their spouses and grandchildren and later, great-grandchildren. He really enjoyed family and holiday dinners with his parents, brothers, sisters, children, and their spouses. The food was always good, but the conversations and the stories that were shared later were often even better! Bill served in the Navy and traveled throughout the world. He also loved recreational travel with his family, especially cruises. He often spoke about his trips to the Grand Canyon, Carlsbad Caverns, Pikes Peak, Palo Duro Canyon, Mesa Verde, Atlanta, Branson, Alabama, Florida, Hawaii, Utah, Wyoming, Canada, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Mexico, and many other places. Bill also served and devoted time to the Boy Scouts of America and was awarded the prestigious Silver Beaver Award in May of 1979. This award recognized Bill for his distinguished service and for the impact that he made in the lives of the youth of the Sam Houston Area Council.