Carl Kantor

Preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Esther Kantor, his sister, Sonia Handros, and his son, Tony, Carl is survived by his wife; sons Andy (Cindy) and Kyle (Michelle); grandchildren Arielle, Kaleigh, Brooke, Ross, and Eli; great-granddaughter Isla Pearl; brothers Mickey (Heidi) and Charlie (Nancy); bonus family Alex, Brien, and Lacey Marx, and Phil and Karen Sterman; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

An avid sports fanatic, Carl was an All-State baseball player who signed with the Detroit Tigers. While his roommate, Hall of Famer Al Kaline, took the path to Major League Baseball, Carl earned his own lasting place in the West High Hall of Fame in 1952. More importantly, he made the catch of his life when he returned to Nashville and met Carolyn at Vanderbilt, beginning a lifelong love story with a clever note and a study date in the library.

Carl always saw his glass not as half full, but overflowing. His perpetual optimism, frequent unbridled laughter, and authentic spirit left an indelible mark on everyone he met, and several of his childhood friendships lasted a lifetime. He began his career as a teacher and football coach; however, his creativity, charisma, and gift for connecting with people also fueled a successful career in the restaurant industry. He became a partner in the third TGI Friday's in the United States and later founded Annie Tiques, a legacy among Jacksonville restaurants. Known for their quirky décor, memorable stunts, foot-long hot dogs, and legendary Thursday night dance parties, Annie Tiques reflected Carl's larger-than-life personality.

Carl's mother often told him he should have been a coach, and after leaving the restaurant business, he did return to coaching, which had been his first love. Famous for his perpetual tan, affable nature, and unforgettable play days, “Coach” influenced hundreds of children as their beloved PE teacher at Central Riverside, Fishweir, and R. L. Brown Elementary Schools.

While Carl's accomplishments included being a champion handball player, an outstanding baseball and softball coach, and a walking encyclopedia of sports knowledge, one of his proudest moments was when he became "Zaydee." He was the quintessential grandfather, never missing a game, ballet recital, or any opportunity to spend time with his little ones, even when they grew up. Deeply involved in his grandchildren's lives, he took great joy in making them laugh, encouraging their dreams, and celebrating their successes. All the grandkids agreed that their Zaydee was the very best Zaydee, and his laughter, wisdom, and memory will always be cheering them on.

What a life he lived! May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him. Following a private burial at Oaklawn Cemetery, family and friends are invited to celebrate this remarkable man on October 27, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Ahavath Chesed Temple. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ahavath Chesed Temple or to The Foundation of Community Hospice & Palliative Care in Jacksonville, Florida.