William Gannon

Obituary: William F.  Gannon

Dateline: Lauderdale By-The Sea, FL.

A Graveside Service for William F. Gannon who died in Florida on Nov. 9, 2016 will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at Philos Cemetery in Westernport, MD at 11 A.M with Deacon Harold Bradley officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the American Legion Honor Guard from Cumberland, MD.

Bill was born on July 23, 1918 in Westernport, MD and was son of the late Marcella Gannon Davis. He was raised by Stella and John McGuigan.  He attended St. Peter’s School. He was a graduate of the University of Maryland with degree in Mechanical Engineering. During WW II he served in the Army Air Corps in Central America in radar and meteorology, and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.

In 1947 he married Margaret Ann Whitworth of Westernport. They were married for 65 years until her death in 2012. Bill began his 34 year telecommunications career with the Western Electric Co in Baltimore, MD area before being transferred to manage a transoceanic telephone cable plant outside of London. In 1961 he was promoted and transferred to Atlanta, GA, where he managed a 5000 person organization as General Manager for all Western Electric operations in the 9 states served by Southern Bell. He held additional executive positions in project management, installation, purchasing and general management in New York and Chicago. In 1972, he was named Vice-President and General Manager for the 10 western states of Mountain Bell.

He always had time for his family and was active in Little League Baseball, the Boy Scouts and Junior Achievement. He loved to play golf, especially at The Valley Country Club in Denver-with some of his fondest memories being his two holes-in-one. He loved to travel and made many trips to Europe.

In 2003 Bill and Margaret Ann moved to Florida and enjoyed bicycle riding, being close to his family and taking trips.

He is survived by his three children and their families, William F. Gannon Jr, Sandy Springs, GA, John W. Gannon, Delray Beach, FL and Caroline Courtney, Fort Lauderdale, FL and 4 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

The Fredlock Funeral Home in Piedmont, WV is assisting the family with arrangements. On line condolences can be sent to the family at

www.fredlock fh.com