Stephen Christopher Cantrell, age 36, passed away on Friday, February 21, 2020 in Jonesborough, TN.
Stephen was born in Omaha, Nebraska on February 10, 1984. He was a graduate of Powell Valley High School, and then went on to serve in the United States Air Force from 2003--2007. He served in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Balad Ab Iraq. Following his service, he obtained his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and became a firefighter for the Johnson City Fire Department.
In 2008, Stephen married the love of his life, Samantha Rhode. Shortly thereafter, they welcomed two handsome sons in 2009 and 2014, who were the center of his world.
He was a member of Gladeville Presbyterian Church, Wise, Virginia.
In his free time, he loved coaching his sons’ sports teams, spending time with friends and family, and cheering on the Tennessee Volunteers. He was a member of the Jonesborough Rhea Masonic Lodge 47 F&AM.
He is survived by his wife, Samantha; two sons, Will and Eli; mother, Sue; sister, Emily; two brothers, David (Rachel) and Daniel (Sabrina); sister-in-law, Randi (Josh); nephew, Jacob; nieces, Cora, Kynee and Brylee; and a large extended family and many friends.
He is preceded death by his father, Greg; grandparents, Gregg and Georgia and Arthur and Edith.
Funeral services will be 7:00 pm Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home in Jonesborough, TN with Rev. Will Gipe officiating. The family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 pm Wednesday prior to the service.
Interment services will be conducted 11:00 am Thursday, February 27, 2020 at Monte Vista Burial Park in Johnson City.
Pallbearers will be Daniel Cantrell, David Cantrell, and his firefighters graduating class of 2017.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Cantrell children’s college fund c/o JCPFFA P.O. Box 4540 Johnson City, Tennessee 37602, please write in the memo line for Cantrell Family.
03/02/2020
Grace C. Bradshaw
I can only imagine the loss you must feel for such a fine and brave young man. My heart is with you. May God give you strength and comfort in this sad time and may you sustain each other through God’s grace.
02/29/2020
Melinda Mullins
Sue, and entire Cantrell family, I was so very sad to hear the news of your dear sweet Stephen. He was such a fine young man. I am sending my love and prayers to each of you and pray God will comfort you, as only He can do.
So very sorry to hear of Stephen’s death. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
02/27/2020
Barbara Blanton
love and prayers to all. may God comfort you today and in the days to come.
02/26/2020
Pamela & Andrew Woodward
Words cannot express what a loss this is for the Cantrell family and his wife and children. Although we were neighbors and never spoke our heart and prayers go out to you. May GOD in these difficult times comfort you and surround you with his love so you know he is with you. our deepest sympathies and love the Woodwards.
Steve was a great man that we were fortunate enough to have as one of our daughters soccer coaches over the past 4-5 years. She loved playing for him, he was always very encouraging and positive. You will be missed by so many Steve but not forgotten! Praying for peace and comfort for the family during this tragic time.
Dr. Cantrell (Sue) please know that I am praying for God's comfort and His peace for your family during this very difficult time.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Praying for all family and friends.
I am so sorry for the loss of your son, Sue, and the loss to his wife and children. May God give you grace, comfort and peace.
02/26/2020
Jack Mullins- Capt. Wise Fire Department
Stephen was a great young man. Prayers for all of you during this difficult time.
There are no words. I am praying for family and friends. I am so sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for your family's loss, knowing there are no words to express the depth of your grief. Your family is in my prayers. Rob
02/25/2020
Cindy and Dennis Ashley
We are so sorry to hear this. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
02/25/2020
Daniel & Reagan Wynn
Dear Cantrell family,
We are so sorry for your loss. May God hold you in his arms. We are sending you are love and prayers.
Precious Sue, and family,
We were so saddened to hear of this. Please know that Greg and I will cover each of you in prayer. You, and your family are loved by so many that are doing the same. May The Holy Spirit (our comforter) embrace each of you with a peace that only He can give. We will continue our prayers throughout the days to come. Much love to you and your family.
02/25/2020
Donna and David Cornett
Please convey our deep condolences to Sue. We are so sorry to hear of his passing. The family will remain in our prayers.
Dear Sue and Family,
I am devastated to hear of Stephen’s passing. He sounded like a wonderful man - a doting husband and father and a great citizen always giving back to his country and community. I cannot imagine how you must feel now. The grief must be unbearable. As your community, we hold you up in prayer and love. May your days and nights be filled with his smiles, his jokes, and his laughter. May you find ease and comfort in each other’s arms and those around you. May your memories ease your pain. May your light and his light beam with fire and flare, and never dim. Sending you so much love.
Huda Aden
UVA Wise
02/25/2020
Fred & Jennifer Mullins
Fred and I send our love and prayers to the entire Cantrell Families for the loss of sweet Stephen. We know words cannot ease the
pain you are going through but words can tell you how much we love you all. If you need anything, please call on us.
GO REST HIGH STEPHEN AND GIVE YOUR DADDY A HUG FROM JEN!
02/25/2020
Opie Elizabeth Craft
We are lost for words. May God's Peace be with you. Our Love, Opie & Eric
This is so heartbreaking. So sorry to hear this.
My prayers for your family.
I worked with Steve at TDOC always thought he was a good guy. So sorry for loss. My sincerest condolences.
02/25/2020
Sandy Franklin
Thoughts and prayers for the family. He was a terrific young man I enjoyed our track moments and adventures
Prayers to all the family
02/25/2020
Sandy Franklin
My thoughts and prayers are with the family he was an awesome friend
02/24/2020
Adam Momberger
Words fail to express my sorrow for your loss. It was truly a pleasure to have gotten to know Stephen. He will be missed dearly.
02/24/2020
Marcia Quesenberry
My sincere heartfelt condolences on your devastating loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
02/24/2020
Lydia Anderson
We are going to miss you so much. You were a great friend. We have the best of memories with you. We love you-now and forever. We gonna miss you so much.
Sam, Will, Eli, Sue, Emily, David, Daniel and families,
I am saddened by the loss of such a sweet, handsome, and kind man. I have so many fond memories of Stephen as a small child and young man through my sister Wendy’s time with the Cantrell kids. I pray that God’s grace will carry you through the coming days/weeks/months, and I pray the boys will always have wonderful memories of their Dad. My Deepest Sympathy,
Tracy Jones
