The work of the Rev. Wilson E. B. Shannon will live on thanks to his family and congregation, after the pastor of First Baptist Church Centralia died at the age of 68, leaving a legacy of service.

Shannon was taken from his church office to the hospital before he died on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, according to Thomas J. Branch Jr., chairperson of the church Deacon Ministry. The loss is strongly felt for those who knew and worked with him.

“We are leaning on one another, sharing stories that celebrate the remarkable life of our loved one, affectionately also known as ‘Duck’,” said Charles Shannon, his elder brother in a statement.

The younger Shannon earned the nickname from older neighborhood kids for his flat feet, which he used to his advantage during their games of sandlot football. He embraced the name throughout his life, from his time as a high school football player and beyond, and it’s something Charles remembers fondly as an example of his brother’s skill and humility.

“Each memory, whether it’s a cherished moment from childhood or a heartfelt sermon that touched countless lives, serves as a reminder of the impact he had on everyone around him.”

Born on Dec. 18, 1955, in Richmond, Shannon was raised alongside his two sisters and brothers by his grandparents Wilson Edward Brown and Florence V. Brown. A graduate of Armstrong High School in 1974, Shannon transitioned to military service in the U.S. Army at Fort Carson in Colorado.

During his service, Shannon was ordained in 1976 at Beacon Light Baptist Church in Colorado Springs. Faith was the primary focus of his higher education, graduating from Virginia Union University with a bachelor’s in 1983 and a master’s of divinity in 1986. He later received a doctor of ministry from Howard University in 1990.

Shannon spent decades as a pastor at multiple churches, including 12 years with Shalom Baptist Fellowship Church and 33 years with First Baptist Church Centralia. He also used his platform for outreach locally and internationally, from community projects to donating books to Africa.

He is survived by his wife Cynthia Smith Shannon, his son, Xavier, daughter Tawanda, mother Doris Brown Shannon, brothers Charles and Michael, sisters JoAnn and Naomi, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews.

The breadth of Shannon’s legacy was on full display during the funeral held for him last Saturday afternoon, as the First Baptist Centralia congregation celebrated his life. They were joined by officials from VUU and Howard University, other churches and religious organizations and high-profile figures such as Mayor Levar M. Stoney, Chesterfield Board of Supervisors Chair Jim Holland and MSNBC President Rashida Jones.

Letters of condolences also were shared from U.S. Representative Jennifer McClellan, Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner and many others.

Amid the grief that surrounds Shannon’s passing, First Baptist Centralia returned to the church the following Sunday for worship, with the congregation and leadership intent on continuing the church and Shannon’s work. A search for a new pastor is in progress, according to Branch, with a pastoral selection committee set to be formed in 30 days.

“While the journey of healing is ongoing, our family remains encouraged,” Charles Shannon said. “With each passing day, we’re learning to carry his memory forward, embracing the joy he brought our lives and the lives of so many others.”