Hero - Dr. Don Cannon

Dr. Cannon practiced medicine in Chattanooga for over 46 years. He touched many lives with his kind and compassionate way of making each patient feel special. We felt as if each of us was part of his own family. He will be greatly missed. He certainly will be missed by the Schofields. He was our doctor.

I remember what a blessing he was when I went to see him for my annual physical examination or when I was dealing with some physical problem. In the last few years he would come into the room in his wheel chair. First, he would want to know about my family and my ministry. Then he would ask about the issues that his assistant had put on the chart. He would cover each detail, including the effects of physical issues that he had treated me for long time ago.

One patient, who nominated Dr. Cannon for Memorial's National Doctor's Day award in 2007, wrote that Dr. Cannon continued to practice medicine even while he was fighting cancer. "He is a survivor and a dedicated doctor," the patient wrote, "I have asked him several times, 'Why do you not retire and enjoy your life resting?' And he always responds. 'I'll be in the office until the day the Lord takes me home.'"

It was a blessing and a Christian witness to walk into his office and see on a table his picture, along with a personal statement. This personal statement was placed there when he returned to work after cancer surgery and a period of recovery. The statement was an appreciation to his patients for their prayers and for their encouragement during his time of recuperation. I was very much blessed by his personal testimony, giving God the glory for the healing that had taken place in his body. I have read that statement several times. It has always gives me hope as it assures me that "the Great Physician" is at work in my life, as well as my favorite doctor and his dedicate staff.

Recently, he died at the age of 75. He will be missed by his wife, Grandeana, to whom he was married for 56 years, his daughters, especially Dr. Allison, who has been his professional medical partner for several years, and the many of us who have been his patients for many years.

The medical doctor, Luke, wrote one of the Gospels. He recorded that Jesus said, "Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will acknowledge him or her before the angels of God"(Luke 12:8). I have no doubt that, even now, Don Cannon is being acknowledged before the angels. Lord, help me to live for others so that You and they will be blessed and honored among the angels.