William (Bill, Sonny) Cann
William (Bill, Sonny) Cann passed away peacefully on July 19, 2017, surrounded by his loving family after a short but valiant battle with cancer. Bill was born in Camden, New Jersey on June 4, 1942 to his parents William and Stella Cann. Bill was raised with his brother, Dennis, in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and graduated from Delaware Township High School (Cherry Hill West) in 1961. He proudly served in the US Air Force from 1961 to 1967 and was awarded the Air Force Good Conduct Medal and the Longevity Service Award. In 1981, Bill packed up and moved to Houston, Texas, with his daughter, Stacey. It was in Houston where Bill met his future wife, Barbara, whom he married in 1983. Together they enjoyed the next 20 years living in North Padre Island and Corpus Christi, raising their son, Taylor, and relishing visits from Bill’s three older children, Sandi, Tim and Stacey. Bill was an avid cook and fisherman and could be found on his boat many early mornings. A true outdoorsman, he owned a bait and tackle store and also gave 4-wheel drive tours on Padre Island for many years. In most recent years, Bill was rarely seen without his beloved Rhodesian Ridgeback, Juma, at his side.
He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Barbara Arleen, his brother Dennis Cann; his daughters Stacey Snyder and Sandi Adirato; his sons Timothy (Maureen) Cann and Louis Taylor (Amy) Cann; and his grandchildren Jacob, Nicole, Molly, Reilly, Anthony, Megan, Henry and Emma. He is predeceased by his parents William and Stella Cann.
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on September 9, 2017, at 10:00 a.m., at Crowder Funeral Home, 851 FM 517 Road W., Dickinson, Texas 77539.
What more can I say about my big brother.Other then him passing on his love for the woods and the water.He taught me how to safely handle firearms,and,hunt.We spent most of the summer in Tuckerton NJ.I followed his lead,and learned to harvest clams,catch blue crabs,and all kinds of fish,in the creeks and bays.Where I learned to swim,Bills way.Sink or swim.Later venturing out of the bay to the open ocean,when our parents bought a larger boat.Bill { Sonny} or Bill {father} piloting the boat in and out of the sometime dangerous Holgate Inlet.And watching the sea for signs upheaval.I learned this too from from my Big Brother.Sonny as he was known to famiy and friends.Was an out standing baseball short stop,and outfielder,where he picked up the nic name Shag,for shagging fly balls.Through Little League,Babe Ruth League,into High School he was in the starting line-up.Then it became clear his eye sight was far from 20/20.To him wearing glasses,and maybe, having a future in baseball were over.Our Father was more sadden then Bill.Our father was an out standing ball player,in the shore leagues out of Wildwood NJ.I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to spend time in Texas with Bill and sister-inlaw Barbra in their newly built home on the water of course,when Bill was nearing the end of his fight with cancer.Bill and Barbra doing everything possible,not mentioning defeat,until the very end.Fight cancer they did.But if cancer wants you,it walks into your room at night and just takes you.It doesn’t give a damn how tough you are.Bill and Barbra are tough.Some may survive through a mix of science,early detection,health insurance,and luck.The day before my brother went in the hospital for the last time he called me because I hadn’t called him yet.I said whats up.Three words he said..I Miss You.I cried because I knew I could not be with him and family in Texas at the end.I was in a back surgeons office in Philadelphia.When I left that office I called Barbra’s phone,his oldest daughter Stacey answered and and said he passed peacefully five minutes ago. He wasn’t a sentimental guy.He was my Big Brother.And the words I Miss You, will be my greatest memory of Great Memories.Thank you for acting like a Big Brother.I Miss You. Love Dennis
Condolences to Barbra.Taylor and family.Stacey and Molly,Sandra,and family.Timothy and family,and Joan Cann
I send my deepest condolences to my Aunt Barbara and cousins Stacey, Sandi, Tim and Taylor. Uncle Sonny will be greatly missed. He had a great bold personality and a strong passion for life. My heart goes out to all of you. Grandmom Stella has her boy back. God bless him.
Love always,
Caroline Cann
My condolences and prayers go out to the family of William Cann , as well as special prayers to Barbara Cann ,as she goes thru painful changes,due to the sudden passing
of Bill . Your darkest hour will shine again someday .God does not let us suffer or grieve any longer than we can
Someday where he is, I pray, that you may go to walk hand and hand together. Until that day comes keep Bill’s memories in your heart of all the joy and laughter he brought into your life .Not how he was ripped so suddenly from your arms.
Love Shirley