James Cantrell

James T. Cantrell, 91, of Thomasville, Georgia, went to be with our Heavenly Father on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, following a short illness at Archbold Memorial, Thomasville, Ga.
He was born at home in Cartersville, Georgia, on January 22, 1932, to the late James Riley Monroe Cantrell and the late Alma Irene Williams Cantrell. James graduated from Taylorsville High School in 1948. He farmed with his father from 1948-1951, and then continued his education at Berry College as a part of the student work program. He met Billie Ann Allen, his wife to be, in 1953 at Berry College. He graduated from Berry College in 1955 with a B.S. in Agriculture (Agronomy) and a minor in mathematics.
While in college, James lettered in basketball and track. In the summer of 1953, he drove a truck or combine harvesting wheat from Texas to Montana. In 1955, James was appointed the county office manager of the Bartow County ASCS office. He was drafted into military service (Navy) in March 1956, and in the summer of that year, he attended Officer Candidate School at Newport, Rhode Island. He received his commission as an Ensign in October 1956 and reported for duty on the USS Cowell (DD-547), a Navy Destroyer stationed in Long Beach, California, in November 1956. While aboard the USS Cowell, James served in the Western Pacific (WestPac) including Australia, New Zealand, Pago Pago, Hawaii, Guam, Midway Island, Formosa (Taiwan), Philippines, Japan, and Hong Kong. James was released from active duty in August 1959. His decorations included the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for service in the Taiwan Straits. James began a training program with the Department of Agriculture, and in May 1960 was appointed the County Executive Director of the Thomas County ASCS (FAS) office in Thomasville, Georgia, where he served for 34 years. Following his retirement, James obtained his real estate license. James was a member of Dawson Street Baptist Church where he served as chairman of deacons, Sunday School director, Sunday School teacher, church training director, and on several church committees. James served as director and officer at Rose City Federal Credit Union. He was a Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, and committee member with Boy Scouts of America for over 35 years. James was a member of the Golden "K" Kiwanis club and served as president in 1996-1997. James loved to travel and take pictures. He accomplished visiting all 50 states. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Billie Ann Allen Cantrell; a son, James A. Cantrell (Gail), Thomasville, Ga.; a daughter, Cathy Rehberg (Gary), Thomasville, Ga.; a son Keith Cantrell (Darlene), Evans, Ga.; and a daughter, Karen Jones (Chris), Pavo, Ga.; seven grandchildren: Michael Hill, Thomasville, Ga.; Jennifer Cantrell, Penang, Malaysia; Blake Cantrell (Lauren), Gainesville, Ga.; Brent Cantrell, Oakwood, Ga.; Kacy Trueman (Ransom), Thomasville, Ga.; Cameron Jones, Pavo, Ga.; and Nicolas Cantrell, Evans, Ga.; six great-grandchildren: Zachary Hill, Thomasville, Ga.; Christian Hill, Tacoma, Wash.; Michael Hill, Jr., Thomasville, Ga.; Logan Mitschele, Phillipsburg, N.J.; Jackson Cantrell, Gainesville, Ga.; and River Cantrell, Gainesville, Ga. He is also survived by four step-grandchildren and two step-great grandchildren. Other survivors are his brothers and sisters: Bill Cantrell (Sue), Cartersville, Ga., Betty Sue Scott, Taylorsville, Ga., Rufus Cantrell (Kathy), Taylorsville, Ga., Raiford Cantrell (Pat), Ellijay, Ga., Catherine Hufstetler (Alton), Adairsville, Ga., Lamar Cantrell (Linda), Taylorsville, Ga., Elaine Dupree (James), Kingston, Ga.; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends. He was preceded in death by a daughter, "Baby Angel", by brothers, Gene Cantrell, Mark Cantrell, by sisters-in-law, Sue Cantrell, Linda Cantrelll, Patricia Cantrell, Carolyn Cantrell, and brother-in-law Melvin Scott.
Funeral services will be held at Dawson Street Baptist Church on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. with committal scriptures and prayers led by Lee Waller. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Thomasville, Ga., with military honors.
Pallbearers will include former members of Boy Scout Troop 302: Mark Courtney, Mike Hooks, Jody Renfroe, Keith Renfroe, Travis Shepherd, and Billy Taylor. Honorary pallbearers will include Jim Hayes, Don King, Tommy Mobley, Carlton Powell, Norman Renfroe, Gene Sampson, DSBC deacons, and former Sunday School class members.
The family will receive friends Friday from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make memorial gifts to Dawson Street Baptist Church or The
Gideons International.