Rufus Allen Shannon, Sr. was the sixth of seven children born to the parentage of Allen Shannon and Exia Mae Shannon. He was born on September 25, 1940 in Dallas, Texas. He received his high school diploma from Booker T. Washington High School, Class of 1960. Rufus played on the football team and was a member of the choir. He was an active member of the Student Council. Rufus and his wife, Dianne Shannon, were faithful members of St. John Baptist Church, Grand Prairie, Texas under the leadership of Pastor Denny Davis. It was there that Rufus was baptized and continued to serve the Lord.

Rufus had a fulfilling and rewarding career at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, which later became AT&T Western Electric from March 1963 to October 1984. He was an active member of the Union. Rufus retired after many years of service in the Telecom Industry to spend time with his family.

In his leisure time he enjoyed golfing. He was an active member of Cedar Crest Golf Course. Rufus loved playing BINGO and dominoes.

He is preceded in death by both parents; his loving wife and three siblings; Mattie Shannon, Ora Dale Shannon and Weldon Shannon. Rufus leaves to cherish is memories his two daughter; Shawn Goggans, Dionne Lynette Cofer, his two sons; Rufus Allen Shannon, Jr. and Ryan Allen Shannon; three sisters; Helen Shannon, Gloria Shannon and Gertrude Shannon; nine nieces; Shirley, Brenda, Kathy, Rose, Lana, Angie, Kim and Tyra; six nephews Rocky, Rusty, Champ, Rory, Michael and AnDuan; and a host of relatives and friends.