David E. Cantrell

David Earl Cantrell Sr was a family man through and through. Born with a genuine compassion for others, he lived his life selflessly supporting anyone who was going through a hard time. He surrounded himself with the great outdoors and cherished time spent connecting with people. With his Southern charm and mannerisms, he earned the nickname “Country,” a name that stayed with him throughout his life. There is no doubt that his presence touched the lives of many during his life.

The 1940s were characterized by WWII. By 1947, some of the most significant inventions that would impact lives for many years to come were created, including the Transistor and the Mobile Phone. That same year, David Earl was born to McKenzie and Pauline (Cantrell) Patrick on January 13th, in Amory, Mississippi. Born sandwiched between his older brother, Bobby, and younger brother, Aaron, his birth brought his parents great joy. Sadly, his father passed when he was only months old, leading to several moves in his early childhood years.

The boys grew up in Smithville, working as sharecroppers, and learned to pick cotton. They were cared for by their maternal grandmother, Grandma Pearl. On weekends, they spent time with their father’s parents, Henry and Lottie Patrick, who taught him how to fish and hunt. Later, Grandma Pearl’s son died in Korea and left her with enough life insurance money to move the kids to Amory, MS. When they were preteen age, they moved to their mom’s home in Michigan.

David attended local schools and graduated from Grand Rapids Central High School with the Class of 1968. He was a proud Golden Gloves boxer, demonstrating the determination and strength that would define him throughout his life. By 1970, he took notice of Betty Grant, a neighbor he would see walking to school. Eventually, he asked her out on a date to the movies, and the rest was history! She and David were married at the Justice of the Peace on December 7, 1973, followed by dinner at a Chinese restaurant in town. Together, they raised six wonderful children: Darrell, David Jr., Brian, Sharmeda, Simone, and Felicia in their home on Kalamazoo before later moving to Everglade SE.

The kids have several cherished memories of their dad. He worked second shift, so he would get them up and ready for school, and sometimes walk them there. Other times, he would include a stop at McDonald's and then hang out with friends at the Barber Shop, while kids played in the back. After a Michigan thunderstorm, he’d take them over to the local park at night with flashlights and look for worms for fishing. David continued his love of fishing throughout his life. He enjoyed catching salmon and catfish, often downtown or on the Grand River in Ada. Nighttime fishing was his favorite. One time, he fished all night in the rain while Betty sat in the car. He also fished a lot with their son, David Jr. He also enjoyed hunting in Baldwin and Saranac for deer, squirrels, and rabbits. Anytime David was around, it was always about having fun and enjoying the outdoors.

A strong provider, David dedicated 44 years of service to the Grand Rapids Public Schools as a custodian, mostly at Iroquois School, where he worked faithfully and earned the respect of colleagues and community members alike. Outside of work, he found joy in earning an income landscaping, mowing lawns, snowblowing, and caring for his surroundings. He worked hard to give his children and Betty many opportunities and was proud of his work. He retired in 2012, even though he had plenty of years left in him.

One of David’s greatest pleasures was bringing people together. Whether he was preparing his famous ribs, hosting a fish fry, or firing up the grill, everyone knew they were welcome at his table. He was very particular about preparing his food and never accepted help at the grill. David’s joy came from sharing food with others, and no one ever left hungry! Later in life, he developed a sweet tooth for Dilly Bars, Lemon Ice Cream, and Betty's Pound Cakes. His generosity knew no bounds, and he freely shared what he had with others. Most Friday nights, he enjoyed playing cards with family, especially Spades or Biz Wiz. When it came to sports, he kept track of the NBA and loved the Kansas City Chiefs. Although he returned to Mississippi a few times, he was content right at home.

In 2017, his family started noticing some cognitive changes; he was asked to BBQ for a friend, and he didn’t think he could remember how to do it. On a hunting trip up north with friends, they noticed he no longer wanted to go into the woods for fear of getting lost on his way back. As his illness progressed, he was later diagnosed with Alzheimers in 2020. Sadly, he went blind and lost his mobility. In December 2025, he started having fainting spells and found that it was due to his blood pressure dropping drastically. There was no greater testament to her love for him than the tender ways in which Betty cared for him during his final months. She never left his side and kept him comfortable until he passed peacefully at home.

David will be remembered for his kindness, his willingness to help anyone in need, and the warmth he brought into every room. He greeted friends and strangers alike with his signature “Hey, Hey” and a welcoming smile. His infectious laughter, sense of humor, and loving spirit touched countless lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Though he is no longer with us in body, David’s legacy of love, generosity, faith, and family will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind. Forever loved, forever remembered, and forever missed.

David Earl Cantrell, age 79, passed peacefully on June 17, 2026. David was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Paulean Cantrell and Mackenzie Patrick; his three children, Darrell Cantrell, Brian Cantrell, and Sharmeda Cantrell; and his grandson, David Witherspoon.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife of 55 years, Betty Cantrell; his children, David Cantrell Jr., Simone (Terran) Bouknight, and Felicia (Melvin) Williams; his brother, Aaron (Jackie) Cantrell; his cherished grandchildren; Danielle Witherspoon, Amonte Cantrell, Amer Williams, Jaden Bouknight, Trenton Bouknight, Amber Williams, Kaylee Reid, Alexis Williams, and Cheyenne Reid; his great-granddaughter, Choyzen Collins; a special cousin and brother-in-heart, Rodney Cancler; and a large and loving circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends, especially Harold, Henry, and Sam.

A visitation is planned for Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes in the Van Strien Creston Chapel on 1833 Plainfield Ave., N.E and one hour prior to the service on Friday, June 26, at 11 AM. At the family's request, memorial contributions are to be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Northwest Michigan Chapter.