Arthur Dickson “Dick” Cannon
Arthur Dickson “Dick” Cannon, age 91, died peacefully on Friday, June 19, 2026 at home surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer; their children, Lila Katherine Cannon Bruno (Richard) and Elizabeth Sloane Cannon Simon (Mark); and two children from a previous marriage, Lisa Cannon Blumhagen (Greg) and Arthur Dickson Cannon III (Sharon). He is also survived by 10 beloved grandchildren, two precious great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and their children, all of whom he cherished.
Dick attended the University of South Carolina, where he earned a B.S. in Economics and developed a lifelong devotion to the Gamecocks. After working for one year in Augusta, Georgia, with Babcock & Wilcox, he attended the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration, earning his MBA.
Following Harvard, he joined Knox Homes of Thomson, Georgia, which later merged with National Homes. After completing management training in Lafayette, Indiana, he was transferred to Atlanta, where he spent three years with the company.
In 1962, Dick was recruited by Tom Cousins to serve as Treasurer of Cousins Properties Incorporated. Over the next decade, he rose through the ranks to become Vice President, Executive Vice President, and ultimately President. During his tenure at Cousins, he was recognized by Atlanta Magazine as “Young Man on the Go.”
After ten years with Cousins, Dick founded The Cannon Company, a real estate development and investment firm that operated throughout Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina for more than four decades. From 1975 to 1977, he also served as Chief Financial Officer of the Sea Pines Company on Hilton Head Island, where he led the financial restructuring of the parent resort company.
Through The Cannon Company and its Caswyck developments, he and his partners built, developed, and owned more than 2,200 luxury apartment units in Fulton, Cobb, Gwinnett, and Hall Counties. The portfolio was sold in 2006, bringing to a close a highly successful chapter in the company’s history. Dick took great pride in what The Cannon Company accomplished and valued the many employees and partners who contributed to its success.
In 1980, Dick married Jennifer Bennett of Atlanta. Together they built a life centered on family, friendship, travel, and shared experiences. They moved from Greenville to Atlanta in 1989 and remained devoted partners. Their years together were filled with adventure, travel, and time spent with family and friends.
Over the last three decades, Dick and Jenny traveled extensively, visiting more than 40 countries and all 50 states. Their favorite trips were those shared with family and friends. A lifelong learner, Dick was an avid reader of history and the classics and assembled a remarkable personal library. He also enjoyed photography and achieved the distinction of Life Master in duplicate bridge.
Dick’s curiosity remained with him throughout his life. Whether discussing history, geography, photography, travel, or the latest book he was reading, he was always eager to learn something new and share it with others. Known for his wisdom, sound judgment, and thoughtful advice, he took a genuine interest in the people he loved and in what mattered to them, encouraging curiosity and a love of learning in his children and grandchildren. He was generous with his time and support, and many friends and family members have stories of his kindness, humor, and encouragement.
Dick and Jenny spent many happy years at their condominium on Hilton Head Island and later at their home in Lake Toxaway.
Most of all, Dick loved his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and extended family. The Fourth of July was a treasured family tradition and one of his favorite times of the year.
Dick was a member of the Piedmont Driving Club, the Harvard Club, and the Gamecock Club.
The family wishes to express its heartfelt appreciation to Shaka Brooks for his loving care and companionship, and to Atlanta Hospice and the staff of Lenbrook for their compassion, kindness, and dedicated care.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 10:00 am at Cannon Byrd Funeral Home – Fountain Inn, 1150 N. Main St, Fountain Inn. The funeral service will be held at 11:30 am in the funeral home chapel followed by entombment in the Cannon Byrd Mausoleum.
A luncheon will follow at the Hopkins Historic Farm at 3717 Fork Shoals Road, Simpsonville, SC.
