Jerry Leroy Cantrell, Sr.

Jerry Leroy Cantrell, Sr., 83, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 22, 2023.   He was born on April 2, 1940, to parents Thirza Lancaster Cantrell and Leroy Cantrell.  He was a graduate of Chapman High School and also attended Spartanburg Community College.

In 1958 Jerry joined the Navy and served aboard the ship, USS Midway.    When he returned home, he worked at several different jobs, including as a millwright at Sanders Brothers in Gaffney, SC and Clarkson in Spartanburg, SC. His career took him all over the US and several foreign countries.  He retired from Clarkson in 2004 as Superintendent.  

He is predeceased by one brother, Tommy Cantrell.  He is survived by his wife, Diane Huffman Cantrell of Boiling Springs, SC; son, Jerry Cantrell Jr. and his wife Leigh Ann of Landrum, SC; brother John Cantrell and his wife JoEllen of Inman, SC; sister Robyn Lanford and her husband Steve of Lexington, SC; stepdaughters, Karen Huffman of Gaffney, SC and Amy Dellinger and her husband Jermichael of Lincolnton, NC;  five grandchildren, Jaela Dellinger of Lincolnton, NC, Joey Chacon (Sydney) of Spartanburg, SC, Shelby Russo (Caleb) of Greenville, SC, Lily Chacon of Landrum, SC and Jared Chacon of Landrum, SC and one great grandson,  Titus Russo of Greenville, SC.  

Jerry was a very loving, generous and compassionate individual with a heart for the homeless, volunteering regularly at Church Builders Tabernacle in Spartanburg, SC.  Jerry was a devout Christian and a member of Central United Methodist Church in Spartanburg SC.  He also loved attending church, woodworking, gardening, exercising at the Y and playing music, especially the mandolin.  

A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 4, 2023, at 2:00PM at Seawright Funeral Home in Inman, SC with Pastor Cam Treece officiating.  Visitation will be from 1-2PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Jerry may be made to the Thomas E. Hannah YMCA, 151 Ribault Street in Spartanburg, SC 29302.