Earl "Red" Cantrell

Earl Ford Cantrell, affectionately known as "Red," passed away peacefully on November 27, 2025, at the age of 83, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on August 9, 1942, in Alabama to the late Herman and Katie Cantrell.

Red was a proud and devoted family man who provided for his loved ones as a meat cutter and market manager. His career spanned several grocery stores, including Brunos, Harris Teeter, and Big Apple, and he retired from Walmart, Food Giant and Ingles. Earl believed in hard work but always made time for the things he enjoyed. A man of simple pleasures, he loved spending time with his family, traveling, watching the Braves, visiting yard sales, collecting Dale Earnhardt memorabilia, and doting on his "baby," his puppy, Teddy.

A faithful member of the Pentecostal community, Earl found strength and comfort in his faith, which guided him throughout his life. He leaves behind not only memories of his laughter and love but also the lessons he taught through his kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to family.

In addition to his parents, Red was preceded in death by his sons, Robbie Cantrell and Dennis Couch; his daughters, Risa Rey and Deborah Adams; his brothers, Emory Cantrell, Rance Cantrell. and Ussery Cantrell; his sisters, Carolyn Fields and Annette Sims; and his grandsons, Shaun Howell and Andy Greenway.

Red is survived by his loving wife of over 43 years, Betty Cantrell; his daughters, Rita (Billy) Garner, Pam Cantrell, and Patsy (Joe) Howell; his brother, Viron (Jean) Cantrell; his sisters, Louree Richardson and Annie Ruth Dye; and his grandchildren, Michael Adams, Shauna Howell, Jimmy Greenway, Greg Chappell, Hunter Garner, and Cody Garner. He is also survived by several great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

The family will receive friends at Clark Funeral Home on Sunday, November 30, 2025 from 12:00 PM-2:00 PM. A funeral service will be held in the Sam Clark Chapel on Sunday, November 30, 2025 at 2:00 PM, with Pastor Peter Harris officiating. The service will be live streamed below or by clicking here: Live Stream. Red will be laid to rest following the service at Sweetwater Memorial Park in Hiram, GA, with Jimmy Greenway, Hunter Garner, Cody Garner, Billy Garner, Joe Howell, and Viron Cantrell serving as pallbearers.

You may share your thoughts and condolences at www.samclarkfuneralhome.com.

Clark Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the services for Mr. Earl "Red" Ford Cantrell.