Cannaday, Jimmy Odell
Jimmy Odell Cannaday passed from this life on Sunday, August 27, 2017. He was born in Patrick County, Virginia, on August 11, 1936, the oldest child of the late Odell and Rosie Cannaday. He was also preceded in death by brother, Kirmet Cannaday.
Jimmy was baptized at the age of twelve. He was licensed to preach the Gospel on October 29, 1967, ordained to the Christian ministry on May 30, 1971 and served nearly 50 years in the Church of the Brethren. Churches that he pastored include Beaver Creek, Laurel Branch, Green Hill, Jones Chapel and Red Oak Grove, all in the Virlina District. During his ministry, Jimmy served on many district committees and commissions, attended numerous district and annual conferences often serving as delegate, spent many hours on new church development including Good Shepherd Church, preached numerous revivals and volunteered on several district-sponsored disaster relief projects.
Jimmy became a pastor as a young man and loved his work. Pastoral care was his passion even in retirement. He was a humble man with a huge heart who loved people well. He officiated at least 183 weddings, 258 funerals and brought more than 184 people into church membership through baptism or transfer of membership. He was a mentor, supporter and encourager to others feeling the call to ministry. Over his career, Jimmy made thousands of visits to homes, hospitals and nursing homes caring for people in their time of need. This is the work he was called to do and that fed his soul. He wasn’t always serious, however. He loved to have a good time, telling tall tales and just being silly. Jimmy enjoyed traveling to many cites for annual church conferences as well as other travels with the family in various parts of the United States and other countries. Family and time together was important to him. He enjoyed holiday gatherings and opportunities to be with his extended family. He was proud of his children, his grandson and his family and would love to tell people about them.
Jimmy is survived by his wife of 59 years, Betty Haynes Cannaday; children, Janet C. (Kirby) Harris, and J.R. Cannaday (Allen Montgomery); grandson, Adam (Caitlyn) Scaggs; great-grandchildren, Harper & Peyton Scaggs; siblings David (Rita) Cannaday and Mary Jane (James) Murphy; Brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Edward (Peggy) Haynes, Marlyn Haynes, Carolyn (Gaylon) Moran, Ronnie Haynes (Anita Foley), and Kennie (Sandy) Haynes.
A celebration of Jimmy’s life will be held on Thursday, August 31, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Gardner Funeral Home with Pastor Angela Carr and Pastor Jessica Slusher officiating. Burial will follow at Ross Harbour Cemetery in Stuart. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 30, 2017 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Gardner Funeral Home in Floyd.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Floyd County Volunteer Rescue Squad in Floyd or to the American Diabetes Association.