William Canny Obituary

he was a good person and friend still have phone i bought from him

I was lucky enough to have Mr. Canny my first year at Sullivan Central. I can remember he had a knack for throwing erasers, especially at the drum line. He taught us clarinets how to duck, weave and pay attention. He was scary sometimes but was a great mentor and someone you could go to if you were having trouble. The best memories were from our many band trips and some of the stunts we pulled. He liked a good joke but we knew how far we could push him. RIP Mr. Canny and just know your memory will live on in all the band students over the years.

Mr. Canny was my band director at Ross N Robinson. I remember his drive for excellence in all we did. There were 5 of us French Horn players, 4 girls and me. He would always say alright ladies when addressing the French Horn section. Always frustrated me, I think he did it on purpose.

Band student 1977-1981 "Be at the right place at the right time with the right equipment".

Mr. Canny impacted so many young students and instilled in us life lessons. He gave energetic teens enough slack to feel independent, enough responsibility to feel accomplishment and enough toughness to keep us all in-bounds. As has been stated he created a culture for life-long friendships and love of music. To this day, we discuss band stories from over 40 years ago. My best and love to Lynn and Susan who I am thinking of with this news. As my teenage daughter will attest, Mr. Canny, will be a part of our family's lore for years to come. Thanks for making me a better person.

Mr Canny was my director at Sullivan Central for two years (my first year was under George Naff, his last year at Central). Mr Canny treated me better than I deserved. I am sure that I frustrated him often. He wisely advised me to not attempt a career in music, that I could make a better living as an engineer. He was right, but I never gave up playing the trumpet. I am still playing around the Kingsport area. Engineering came and went but music continues. Most of my children were SCHS band members and also still play. Thank you, Mr Canny! I never saw you much after high school but would have loved to have spent an afternoon remembering those days together. I remember many of those band days at Central like yesterday ... I´ll bet that you did, too. May you rest in peace.
Joe Long
Sullivan Central class of 1975

Condolences and sympathy to the Canny family. Bill Canny was my neighbor and also my Band Director at Sullivan Central HS. He always exemplified, and asked for, excellence from his students. I have good memories of Mr. Canny and am sorry for his loss. Kimberly Lewis

Bill was a dear friend. He will always be remembered in our hearts and memories. We worked together during his time with Altell Cellular. Bill was a great employee.

I was in his band at Ross N Robinson Junior High School, and thought he was a wonderful director and friend

Loved Central and South Band...Mr Canny will always hold a special place in my memories of those time..was one of the seniors in his first south band...a.proud to say am still friends with those wonderful people and we all share great stories of those times.

I just found out about Bill´s passing. RIP my friend from one sax man to another.

To the Canny family: Bill was my roommate in college at ETSU and a great friend. We both played the saxophone and enjoyed time together playing with various dance bands. He was such a character, kept everyone in stitches. We remained in touch over the years. He never mentioned his bout with cancer. I know he will be sorely missed by his family. So sorry for your loss. He was a great guy.

Where do I begin? So many great memories of Mr. Canny and the years in the Sullivan Central band. In addition to being a teacher and mentor, Mr. Canny helped nurture my lifelong appreciation and enjoyment of jazz music. Thank you, sir!

Here are some more photographs in memory of Mr Canny whom we all respected and loved! Sullivan Central high School band 1977 to 1980 was the highlight for many of our lives! And that was all because of this man Mr. Canny!

Ray Dobbs

I knew Mr. Canny when I was in band 1977 to 1980! And yes I still call him Mr Canny! He always taught all of us in band what teamwork was all about! And in that process we began to grow up and we made forever and wonderful friendships through it all! My time at Sullivan Central high School in the band was the most memorable highlight of my life and now I am 62 years old!

Mr. Canny will always be one of those individuals who I could call a mentor and someone who helped me to begin this life with the proper foundation! He always instilled in all of us that we could be more than we ever thought we could be!

With tears in my eyes, Rest in Peace Mr Canny.
You will be sorely missed.

I have shared a few photographs from that era. Again the most memorable part of my life was during this time.

Ray Dobbs

Bill and I spent a many good times in Johnson City together socializing. He met with me and others at my condo in Navarre beach with other friends of his from Tennessee. haven't seen him in years. Saddened for the lost

I was a band student of his at Sullivan Central High School in Blountville, TN. RIP Mr. Canny.

Mr. Canny was my band director at Robinson and I took private lessons from him. I remember him throwing a director´s baton more than once. I adored him. Prayers for his family and know that he influenced my life.

I worked with Bill at Alltel for many years. I thought a lot of him. His name would come up often when reminiscing with colleagues. I was fortunate to hear him play his sax at one of our Christmas parties.

I´m so sorry for your loss. It was nice to read that he had spent his last years living close to family. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.