David Miller Cantrell

David Miller Cantrell January 11, 1936 to November 22, 2012 David Cantrell, 76, died on Thanksgiving Day in Beaumont Hospital in Grosse Pointe, Michigan of complications from lymphoma. He will be buried in his hometown, Smithville, Tennessee. David was husband to Virginia Cantrell, retired Detroit Public School teacher and former president of the Detroit Federation of Teachers, also a native of Smithville. They had been married for 58 years at the time of his death. David retired in 1994 from Unisys Corporation (formerly Burroughs Corporation) in Detroit where he had worked as a sergeant of security since the 1970s. Known for his geniality and charm, David was a well-liked character on Detroit's east side and suburbs. Since his retirement, he worked out regularly at Bally's in St. Clair Shores, and spent summers in Tennessee, where he raised hay and cattle with his brother Kenneth Cantrell. Until his illness, he was active and productive. David was a master class pistol shot. Teacher and mentor to a number of shooters, his expert advice on matters related to firearms was highly regarded and often sought out. He read widely on these subjects and collected an extensive library. He was a life member of the National Rifle Association of America. In addition to his widow Virginia, David is survived by his son, David Anthony Cantrell; his daughter Cindy Lynne Cantrell who is married to Brian Anse Patrick; daughter Monica Burks; grandchildren Cosmo, Catherine and Ben; and brothers Kenneth and Zane. A fine, fine man, to the last David Cantrell was a gentleman. He never complained during his illness. He fought until death took him. Visitation Sunday, 1-7 pm A.H. Peters Funeral Home 20705 Mack Ave at Vernier Road Grosse Pointe Woods.

Funeral Home:

A. H. Peters Funeral Home of Grosse Pointe

20705 Mack Avenue

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

US 48236