Steve Alan Cantrell

Steve was born in Manchester, New Hampshire, on February 8, 1954, the son of Clarence H. and Lois McTague Cantrell. Steve, being the son of a USAF serviceman, lived in several places before moving to Tallahassee in 1969. He graduated from Leon High School. Upon graduation, he joined the FBI, living in Washington, D.C., a short period before returning to the state of Florida to work as a guard at Raeford Prison. While there, he was involved in a serious motorcycle accident that changed his life motivating him to attend Florida State University where he majored in computer science. After graduation, he went to work for the State of Florida Department of Children and Families recently retiring on June 29, 2012, after 27 years of service, the last three as an Office Automation Analyst in the Northwood Shared Resource Center. Harold France his office supervisor, regarded Steve not just as an exceptional employee, the "golden child that knew his job well," but as a dear friend, kind and thoughtful, that would do anything for you. "Everyone liked Steve!" said Harold. "Not only was he wise in his job decisions, but he was funny, and well liked by his co-workers. At the office meetings, "he'd crack us up," always saying something funny to lighten the mood of the room." And to all who knew him, that's the way "our Uncle Steve was. I knew Steve, and his family, for 42 years. He was always kind, always giving to others, compassionate, caring, and funny. I never saw him angry. Even through life's adversity, he never let it get him down. He was a private person, a solitary man, a spiritual man, especially in later years, but he always had time to help a friend, or family member. He was real close to his family, especially to his nephew Joey, whom he shared a special bond with. Steve, was much more to his niece and nephew than just an uncle. Their relationship was very unique, growing up with them into a mentoring "Big Brother," relationship each mentoring the other. His niece, Tiffanie, spending many a "pop-in" weekend with him in recent years, stayed with him till he passed away. "I know uncle Steve is at peace, and had a team of angels taking him home." Steve loved get togethers, holidays, and outdoor barbecues with a zany personality guaranteed to make you smile. In fact, whenever you saw him, he greeted you as if you'de been away on an extended trip. Always the same, "hey, glad you made it,"with a big smile, and a quick kiss for the ladies. He was a nice guy, and one most deserved of a good life. He had just retired, had a new home, and looked forward to traveling some when this tragic event took his life. We are all shocked and saddened as to why this has happened, but we trust in knowing that he is in heaven enjoying the company of those that have passed before him. Steve was preceded in death by several months of his entire family; his father, Clarence "Jim" Cantrell, May 2011, his mother, Lois M. Cantrell, March 2012, and his sister, Debbie Cantrell Bowers, December 2010.

He leaves behind his nephew Joseph M. Cavazos, and family, Kokomo, IN, and his niece Tiffanie G. Nutting, and family, Tallahassee, FL. He also leaves a great aunt Charlotte McTague Zimmerman, and family, Minneapolis, MN, a life-long friend Bonnie P. Wakeman, Tallahassee, FL, many friends, and co-workers.

For those who wish to celebrate the life of Steve Cantrell you are invited to join family and friends on Sunday, September 3, 2012, from 4-6 p.m., at Cully's Meadowwood Funeral Home, 700 Timberland Road. Uncle