Joe Wayne Cantrell, better known as Wayne, 82, of Sparta, passed away peacefully, on May 7, 2023, surrounded by his family.
Wayne was born Aug. 12, 1940, to Ernest Arvil “Joe” Cantrell and Ellon Lou Humphrey Cantrell.
He was very much a proud Pa as he enjoyed nothing more than watching his granddaughters either on the softball field, basketball/volleyball court, stage, and track as he cheered them on in everything they did. Wayne loved SEC, basketball, football, baseball, and softball. He was a big supporter of the Green Bay Packers and Vanderbilt. He also loved to fish and camp with his family. You would not have known it, but Wayne was talented in the area of sewing and could make anything without a pattern. He was retired from ECMD. Prior to becoming a truck driver, he was a plant manager, USA Enterprise, LTW.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Stevie Cantrell, and his sister, Sandra Cantrell.
Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Hilda Cantrell; two sons, Jessie Cantrell, Michael Cantrell; daughter, Jacqueline Cantrell Powell & her husband Jason (J.P.) Powell; Jennifer Phillippe, who he raised as his own daughter; and four amazing granddaughters, Amanda Cantrell, Breanna Powell, Treeah Powell, Mila Cantrell. These girls were the loves of his life.
Wayne also had a special place in his heart for Bragan and Andy Southard and their son, Owen Southard.
Funeral service will be 1 p.m., May 10, 2023, at Hunter Funeral Home, with burial in Young Cemetery. Noah Armstrong and Steve Gerhart will officiate.
Andy Southard, Lanny Selby, Jerry Fowler, Ronnie Taylor, Michael Chandler, and Mark White will serve as pallbearers.
Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Bohannon, Kayden Wilson, and Curtis Young.
Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
