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Writer’s Note – I’ve been on an extended hiatus for about three months.  So, I first want to say “Thank You” to all of you who continue to stop by and check out my blog.  This blog and several to follow have been accumulating in my head for quite a while.

August 15, 2014 – Dr. Jack Shannon: a neighbor, fellow church member, and one of Vicki’s original bank branch customers.  I talked with Doctor Shannon a couple of times over the summer.  Told him that I’d come visit when he felt up to it.  He and I went to the same cancer clinic.  We had heard that his health was in quick decline, and he passed away while we were moving Zach into school.  We missed the visitation and Jack’s funeral.  Sometimes these situations just touch me – sadden me – and make me feel “lost” in my continuing journey.  Jack Shannon was just a nice guy.  His death was a real shame. The following is his obituary.

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Dr. Jack Canada Shannon, 66, retired Memphis dentist, went to be with the Lord, August 15, 2014 after a long battle with cancer. He is survived by Judye, his loving wife of 43 years, and his cherished children, Kelly Sawyer (Bob) and Stephen Shannon (Leslee). He was “G-Daddy” to his five grandchildren—Mary Margaret, Caroline, and Sarah Sawyer, and Anne and Jack Shannon. He is also survived by his brother Robert Shannon (Libby) and nephews, Stewart Shannon (Katherine) and Martin Shannon (Brooke). He was born April 22, 1948 in Cape Girardeau, MO but lived in Memphis most of his life. He was an Eagle Scout and won the Harvey S. Firestone Award Competition for most outstanding scout in the Chickasaw Council. He graduated from Central High School where he played sports and was a member of the National Honor Society. He graduated from University of Memphis magna cum laude and was president of ODK National Leadership Honor Society. He graduated from UT Dental School in 1973 where he was awarded the Faculty Award for highest academic average and the Marion L. Fuller Award for the best clinical prowess. He was a member of MDS, TDA, ADA and AGD. He was also a member of the Memphis Dental Study Club for over 35 years. He enjoyed coaching kids in soccer, basketball, and baseball. He even coached the MUS baseball team and helped start a resurgence there. A lifelong outdoorsman, he loved to hunt, fish, and backpack. He was a member of the Mill Lake Hunting Club and Ducks Unlimited. He was a weekend leader and Chairman of the Board of both Emmaus and Kairos Prison Ministry. He was also active in Chrysalis. He attended Christ United Methodist Church. In 1998 he established the Men’s Ministry and was chairman for several years. He was instrumental in establishing the Power Hour lunch, relationship with East High School football team, and Champions of Christ Breakfast. He was also chairman of the food service committee. He headed the committee to finish and furnish the Refuge. He raised the money to renovate Reeves Chapel. He was affectionately called “Hot Dog Man” for orchestrating the cooking of hot dogs for the Easter egg hunts. He was a member of the Lamplighters Sunday School class and served as president. In 2009 he was awarded the Outstanding Missional Service Award (formerly called Unsung Hero Award). He was a Trustee and on the Administrative Board. Visitation will be Friday, August 22 from 9AM to 11AM at Christ United Methodist Church, 4488 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, and immediately followed by a service at 11AM. The burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to the Memphis Emmaus Community, P.O. Box 240414, Memphis, TN 38124 or Christ United Methodist Church.

Published in The Commercial Appeal on Aug. 20, 2014

Note:  Hopefully I have not violated any major copyright laws.  If I have, I sincerely apologize.