- Date Of Birth: September 17, 1936
- Date Of Death: April 20, 2024
- State: Virginia
Birth Place: Washington, DC
Resided In: Alexandria, VA
U.S. Airforce Technical Sergeant John Agenor Cannady, Sr. passed peacefully into eternal life on Saturday, April 20, 2024, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Alexandria, Virginia. John, age eighty-seven, leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and service that we will cherish forever. He loved God, family, and friends with all his heart and soul. The fourth child in a loving family of five children, John was born to Marcus James Cannady, Sr. and Mabel Frances Cannady on Thursday, September 17, 1936, at Gallinger Municipal Hospital, in Washington, D.C. He received his formal education from the D.C Public School System. On August 29, 1955, John married the love of his life, Antionette Delores Barnes , at Holy Name Catholic Church, marking the beginning of a 57-year union. Together, John and Antoinette nurtured a family of four children: Shermane, John Jr., Anthony, and Mark. John enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1954, serving with distinction in various locations worldwide, including Libya, Spain, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, and England. He also served at multiple locations within the United States, Nebraska, Indiana, Kansas, and North Carolina. John retired in 1977, at Pease AFB in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, after serving our country for 23 years. His very noble contributions earned him numerous Air Force Medals, symbolizing his unwavering dedication to his country. Following his military service, John worked in the Intelligence Community, for the U.S. government, at Raytheon / E-Systems, as an Electronic Technician. There, he continued to serve our National Security community for more than 12 years, and eventually retired with a total of more than 35 years of dedicated service. John Agenor Cannady, Sr. was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Antionette Cannady; his grandparents, John Stefan Agenor and Stella Agenor; his parents, Marcus Cannady, Sr. and Mabel Cannady; as well as siblings, Marcus Cannady, Jr., Dorothy Hailstork, Thomas Cannady, Sr., and Estelle Steptoe; sisters-in-law, Doris Cannady and Barbara Colter; brothers-in-law, Walker Anderson, Jr., Clyde Steptoe, and Charles Hailstork; daughter-in-law, Andrea Cannady; grandsons, Jelani Cannady and Shaka Cannady; mother-in-law, Lucille Hawkins; and father-in-law, Edward Barnes.
Loving memories are cherished by his children, Shermane (Rodney) Charles, John (Cherryl) Cannady Jr., Anthony (Brenda) Cannady, and Mark (Ernestine) Cannady. John’s life was enriched by the presence of nine grandchildren, John (Mariel) Cannady III, Charmayne Charles, Cherie (Craig) Small, Troy Charles, Tor (Rosa) Cannady, David (Raven) Cannady, Anthony Cannady Jr, Emani Cannady, and Nandi Cannady. Additionally, his legacy extends to nine great-grandchildren, Faylan Charles, Alexandria Charles, Shai Charles, Riece Charles, Elijah Small, Zion Small, Zora Cannady, Zhuri Small, David Cannady, Jr., and one great-great grandchild, Skye Ibarra, further extending his legacy. He is also survived by his bonus granddaughter, Chelsea Charles; sister-in-law and lifelong friend, Frances Cannady, along with a multitude of nephews, nieces, cousins, other family members, and dear friends. Throughout his lifetime, John was renowned for his profound knowledge and eagerness to share it with others. He was an enthusiastic advocate of education and was a lifelong learner and firm believer in gaining all the knowledge you can. His generosity of spirit, wisdom, and spiritual guidance touched the hearts and souls of many, illuminating their paths through both joyous and challenging times. His favorite pastime was golf and he spent many hours perfecting his game, meeting countless other players, and making new friends. He coached several squadrons of intramural basketball and football teams throughout his service in the Air Force. Being a lifelong “Commanders” (Redskins) fan was perhaps the only glaring flaw he had. John’s legacy of compassion, understanding, and enlightenment will continue to resonate in the lives of those he touched. While he has departed from this earthly journey, his spirit lives on in the memories, teachings, and enduring impact he leaves behind. As we reflect on John’s life and the profound influence, he had on all of us, may we carry forward his legacy of love, wisdom, and spiritual enlightenment. Let us honor his memory by embodying the principles of kindness, compassion, empathy and understanding that he fervently shared with the world. Psalm 37:23-24 – The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delighted in his way.
