By: Damian Mitchell
Tribune Sports
PINSON— Around 7 a.m on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Cumberland Golf and Country Club, chances are you will see an elderly man peacefully playing his 18 holes and then grabbing some coffee in the dining room.
That elderly man is 96-year-old World War II veteran Willie Cannada, who has played at the club for the past 11 years.
“The people here just treat me so well and they’re just some of the nicest people you’ll come across,” Cannada said.
Chris Anderton, who runs the the front desk at the golf course says the employees also enjoy seeing him out playing as well.
“Whenever Mr. Willie comes in, you know he’s there. He loves being out there playing and we enjoy having him come around,”Anderton said.
Cannada is a Wichita, Kansas native and served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
“I served three years, six months, and five days at war,” Cannada said. “Not too many of us are still around today so I know the good Lord is blessing me.”
Cannada was a late bloomer in the golf game. He did not start playing consistently until he was 55 years old while he was still living in Kansas.
Cannada was an employee for Snodgrass Construction for 27 years and after retiring he moved to Alabama to be closer to his children while his wife battled with Alzheimer’s.
“That was a tough time for the family to watch her go through something like that.” Cannada said.
His wife lost her battle with Alzheimer’s on Jan. 5 in 2017. After 71 years of marriage he was without his soul mate but he knows she is in safe hands and he is in good spirits.
“The Lord’s got her and when he decides it’s my time I’ll be with her again,” Cannada said with a cheerful smile.
Though nothing can replace the hole that the passing left on his heart, he finds the holes at the golf course a peaceful hobby.
“I have fun out there and I get a little exercise too. As long as it doesn’t get too hot out there and it’s not raining too hard I’m usually out there playing,” Cannada said.
Cannada’s son Dale Cannada, plays with him as well and he says that his father, even at his age can play with some of the best golfers around.
“He’s beaten me a few times and I didn’t let him beat me either. He’s having fun and that’s all that matters to me,” Dale Cannada said.
Willie has accomplished a feat that his son has not accomplished yet.
“He’s hit a hole-in-one four times, and I haven’t gotten one,” Dale said.
The joy and positive energy is something that Willie Cannada exemplifies is one that he plans to keep for as long as he is able to and he has a goal for his 97th birthday.
“If I get to see October 15th, I’m going to play 18 holes that day, hopefully the weather will hold off that and I can enjoy it,” Cannada said.