Robert Christopher Cantey

Robert “Bob” Christopher Cantey, age 93, went to be with his Lord on April 4, 2023. He was a long-time resident of Signal Mountain, TN. Bob was born in LaGrange, Ga., the son of James Hugh and Winnie Keeler Cantey. He was a graduate of the University of Georgia, receiving a BS in Agriculture, a BA in Business, and a Juris Doctorate Law Degree. Bob was retired from Southeast Federal Savings Bank as Senior Vice-President and staff attorney. He was a member of Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church, having served as Elder and Sunday School teacher. He was elected Elder Emeritus in 2009. Bob was a member of the Central Camp of Gideons International. He served as President, worked in various other offices, and as district area coordinator, along with his wife Grace. A former member of the Exchange Club or Rossville, Ga., he served as President and in other offices. In 1982 he was the winner of the National Exchange Club award for his definition of Exchange: “Exchange is opportunity to Serve, to Honor, and to Enhance our Nation and its People.” He served in the United States Army during the Korean War in the 25th Infantry Division. Bob also worked on the Board of Child Evangelism Fellowship, was a volunteer with Chattanooga Prison Ministries, and Contact. His life was exemplified by a tribute written by his son Jimmy when Bob was diagnosed with cancer:

“My father’s cancer and impending surgery has been much on my mind in these past few months. During a telephone conversation, talking to one of our boys, my father asked him to remember to pray for him as he had surgery. That request said a lot to my son and to me. It was a simple but most sincere word of testimony. “I have known my father as he worked in several roles: an attorney, a farmer, and later as senior vice president of a bank. Yet, among his accomplishments and honors, none stand out stronger to me than the example of his faith. Putting God first has been as much a part of his professional life as it has been in his work with the church and in our family. Even now, with the fears and uncertainties of cancer, his faith in God is what stands out. “It means a lot to a son and to a grandson to have that kind of example in your life. That is the kind of inheritance one treasures.”

His beloved son, David, preceded him in death, also, his sister Marion and her husband Yancy Watkins.

Survivors include his wife and best friend, Grace, of 69 years, three sons, five grandchildren, and one great granddaughter. Sons: Rev. Dr. James Cantey (Belinda), Chris Cantey, Jr. (Lou), and Barry Cantey (Kim), grandchildren: Matthew Cantey, Dr. Andrew Cantey (Kayla), Samuel Cantey, Dylan Cantey, and Dr. Cloie Parfitt (Sam). Great-granddaughter Kendall Cantey.

Burial will be at the Chattanooga National Cemetery on Thursday, April 6, 2023 at 12:30 pm with the Rev. Scott Bowen officiating. A service of Witness to the Resurrection will be observed at Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church on Thursday, April 6, 2023 at 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gideons or Signal Mtn. Presbyterian Church, 612 James Blvd.

Please share your memories of Bob with the family at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Hwy. 153, Hixson, TN 37343.