The Virginia Auctioneers Association lost one of the founders of the VAA, March 7, 2010. Morris Fannon was a leader in the VAA from the time he helped to found the association until his death. He held about all the offices with the Virginia Auctioneers Association. He was a true promoter of the auction profession.
Morris never missed an annual meeting until his health problems kept him at home. If at some of the business meetings held at the annual meetings, things got somewhat hot and heavy, Morris with his calm voice could always bring the discussion back to order. He had that gentle way about him.
Morris and I worked my sales together both in the state of Virginia and throughout the USA. Morris was a sought after auctioneer for Livestock. Spring and Fall the VCA had State Graded Feeder Cattle sales throughout the state of Virginia. Sometimes 3 in one day in different parts of the state. We would help each other at the large sales, then need to be in another part of the state that same night. Sometimes, I would fly our company airplane to sales, but Morris would never fly. He said he trusted his Ford to get him there. He would always be on time for his sales. There were times, he drove most of the day or night to be there. He was liked wherever he went. He was a gentleman.
I could go on and on about Morris as a livestock auctioneer. Many sales managers will miss him conducting their sales. Sellers and buyers will miss him also. He made many, many friends over the years wherever he went.
If it would not have been for Morris, the VAA would not be what it is today. We will all miss Morris.
Richard Wright
VAA Member
Bridgewater, VA
Morris Fannon of Pennington Gap, Virginia, age 86, was born on September 22, 1923 in Lee County, VA. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Velda M. Fannon; two children, Cynthia D. Kinser and husband H. Allen Kinser, Jr. and Sid R. Fannon; two grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Morris Fannon was a founding father of the Virginia Auctioneers Association. Under the leadership of Mr. Fannon, members of the state’s auctioneer profession met at the Roanoke Hotel, Roanoke, VA in May, 1958 for the purpose of organizing the VAA. He served as its second president in 1959. Mr. Fannon was named VAA Auctioneer of the Year in 1969. In 1985 he was inducted in the National Auctioneers Association’s Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the Virginia Auctioneers Association Hall of Fame in 1986. Most recently at the 2010 Virginia Beef Industry and State Dairymen’s Convention in February, Morris Fannon was inducted into the Virginia Livestock Hall of Fame.
“He was known for his professionalism and served as a mentor to many younger auctioneers. He was regarded as a leader and teacher to stockmen and auctioneers across the country.” The Virginia Cattleman, April 2010
