His funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 10, in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, 617 N. Elm St., Greensboro.

An intense joy for life and a love for wildlife and the outdoors were among the hallmarks of Cannon's life. His love for and generosity toward his friends was unparalleled. In the three weeks prior to his death, he spent time with his parents and grandmother who is ill. He attended the Carolina Cup, the Tryon Steeplechase, the Stoneybrook Steeplechase and a concert of the Marshall Tucker Band with friends. In addition, he was landscaping and remodeling his house in Blowing Rock, where his creativity and skill in using natural materials reflected his respect and love of the land. His dogs, Duke, Rock and Kit, were his constant companions.

Cannon had a deep and compassionate spirit and belief in God. He grew up attending First Presbyterian Church and participated in the Children's Choir, Bible School and Christmas pageants. Attending Christmas services with his Mom was an annual tradition.

He was born on September 7, 1977, in Greensboro. He attended Holy Trinity Preschool and the Greensboro Day School from kindergarten through 10th grade. He participated in the Duke University TIP (Talent Identification Program) and played lacrosse for the Triad Lacrosse team. He graduated with honors from Page High School in 1995. A long-time scout, he attained the rank of Life Boy Scout.

In 1995, while a senior at Page, he suffered a severe spinal cord injury and lost use of his legs and right arm. Through his determination and fighting spirit - and long rehabilitation at Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia - Cannon learned to walk again, lift weights, and ride horses.

He was a Presidential Scholar at Clemson University and graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in business and real estate.

He became an entrepreneur/developer and had his own real estate company headquartered in Blowing Rock. In addition, Cannon was an outfitter and scout for hunters in South Dakota. He took pleasure in hunting pheasant with his Dad. He also worked in Galveston, Texas, and Blowing Rock with huntsmen, fishermen and horsemen.

He grew up visiting the Upcountry of South Carolina where his grandparents had lived for generations.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, John Lawson Petty, II; his paternal grandparents, Boyd Cannon and Edith Morrow Harmon; and an uncle, Robert Tolly Petty.

He is survived by his mother, Susan Petty-Harmon; his father, John C. Harmon, Sr.; and his maternal grandmother, Mildred McComb Petty.

He is also survived by his uncles, Bates Morrow Harmon, John L. Petty, III, James McComb Petty and Joseph Taggart Petty; and his cousins, Jeff Harmon, Kirk Harmon, John Petty, IV, Paula Petty Dotson, Ellen Petty Riley, Elizabeth Petty Smith, Margaret Petty Hutchins, Susan Stewart Petty and Julia McCaslin Petty, all of Upcountry, South Carolina.

A reception will follow the funeral service.

Memorials may be made to the Cannon Harmon, Jr., Endowment for Spinal Cord Injury Research, Shepherd Center, 2020 Peachtree Road, NW, Atlanta, GA 30309-1465.

Petty Funeral Home of Landrum, S.C., is in charge of arrangements.

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