Passes: Dr. Bill Cannady, Trailblazing Black Educator

By Rosaland Tyler
Associate Editor
New Journal and Guide

Dr. Bill Cannady, a trailblazing Virginia educator, died on June 8.

According to his obituary, Cannady will be eulogized on June 21, 2025, at First Baptist Church – Gainsboro, which is located on the corner of North Jefferson Street and Wells Avenue in the historic district of Gainsboro in the city of Roanoke. Interment will be in Williams Memorial Park.

Cannady held increasingly responsible positions throughout Virginia including superintendent of Hampton Public Schools from 1994 to 2000, as well as superintendent of Chesterfield County from 2000 to 2006. Gov. Tim M. Kaine appointed Cannady as superintendent of public instruction in Virginia starting in 2006. He was named the 2005 Virginia Superintendent of the Year. Cannady also served as the dean of the University of Virginia’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies and vice provost for academic outreach. Gov. Terry McAuliffe appointed Cannady as the president of the Virginia Board of Education. In 2022, Cannady was inducted into the CCPS Hall of Fame.

Hampton City Schools released a statement after his death was announced. “Dr. Billy Cannady, Jr. was a visionary leader whose impact on public education—and on Hampton City Schools—continues to resonate,” said Dr. Raymond Haynes, current superintendent. “I am especially grateful to him on a personal level. He not only brought me into this division, but also served as a true mentor throughout my career. His belief in people, his commitment to excellence, and his legacy of service have inspired generations of educators and students alike. He will be deeply missed.”

Aiming to describe the impact that the 1972 Virginia Tech graduate had on their lives, Cannady’s former colleagues and friends wrote numerous comments underneath his obituary posted on Ronoake’s Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home website.

Two of his former colleagues in Hampton described him as an advocate and a role model. “His compassion and genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of others were beyond compare!”

Another former colleague wrote, “I had the pleasure of being hired by and working with Dr. Cannady at Chesterfield County Public Schools. I truly liked and respected him! He was a joy to work with. There will never be another more honorable man than him. “

But, formal letters of condolence also poured in, including one from Chesterfield Public Schools.

Chesterfield County Public Schools described him as a “remarkable educator and leader” in a Facebook post after Cannady’s death was announced. “His life and career had a profound impact on Chesterfield County Public Schools and beyond. . . We are thankful for all of his contributions to education and particularly to our school division.”

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“When he began (in Chesterfield Public Schools), fewer than half of our schools were fully accredited. Thanks to his dedication and leadership, every Chesterfield school had achieved full accreditation by the time he moved on to lead the Virginia Department of Education,” the post noted.

In another tribute, a former colleague wrote, “He had the unique ability to recognize each person and recall details of their family. His legacy of leadership will live forever in my mind. I will never forget his smile and his laughter. He was truly loved and admired by many.”

A friend said in a tribute, “He was a star and a leader which followed him throughout his life.”

The condolences included a recent statement from Roanoke Public Schools. It said Cannady was a Roanoke native and a graduate of William Fleming High School. “While Dr. Cannady did not work in RCPS, he grew up here. . . and attributed his success in the education field to the many teachers who supported him. In fact, he once told a reporter that it was his high school counselor who encouraged him to become a teacher and helped him receive a full ride to Virginia Tech.”