Ralph Cantrell Sr.

Cantrell, Ralph D. Sr., died on October 9, 2014, at home, after a long illness. Ralph was born in Rock Island, TN and weighed in at four pounds. He was delivered by the area country doctor at home. Later, as a teenager, the doctor was amazed at his size and strength. He moved with his family to Nashville to begin his school years. He attended Tar Boy Elementary, Bailey Elementary and Jr. High School. He was a member of the 1947 Jr. High city championship basketball team. He graduated from East Nashville HS, where he was president of his senior class. He was also ROTC Cadet LT. Colonel Battalion Commander. He served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. He graduated from the University of Tennessee as a distinguished military graduate. Ralph served as a Cadet LT. Colonel Deputy Regimental Commander. He entered the US Army as a regular Army officer. He with his family, moved to Korea then to Taiwan, where he was attached to the Embassy. He served there as a military procurement advisor. He served in Vietnam from 19681969 and as a company commander in Korea from 19631964. During his military and civilian service, he with his family, moved a total of 26 times. After 28 years of military service, he retired as a LT. Colonel. He was employed after military retirement by Boeing Military Aircraft Co., The University of TN. Space Institute, and Martin Marietta. He was an avid horseshoe player and was inducted into the Florida Hall of Fame. He was forced to give up horseshoes when he lost his eyesight. He has been a member of the First Baptist since 1984. He and his wife Nancy were married for 63 years. Ralph is survived by his wife Nancy and their 4 children Ralph Cantrell Jr. of CA., David of West Palm Beach, Darrell of Orlando, and Pamela of Orlando, three grandchildren Nicholas of CA., Philip of AL., and Megan of AL, one brother, Maurice of TN., and daughtersinlaw Donna and Kim. A viewing will be held at First Baptist Church of Orlando, on Wednesday Oct. 15, from 9am until the time of service at 10am. Arrangements entrusted to Carey Hand Colonial Funeral home. 4078982561.

Visitation

First Baptist Church of Orlando
3000 S John Young Parkway
Orlando, FL  32805
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
9am

Service

Funeral Service

First Baptist Church of Orlando
3000 S John Young Parkway
Orlando, FL  32805
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
10am

Cemetery

Florida National Cemetery
6502 SW 102nd Avenue
Bushnell, FL  33513