Louis E. Cantrell

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Louis Edward Cantrell on October 21, 2025, in St. Petersburg, Florida, at the age of 84. He was born in Athens, Alabama, on October 2, 1941, to Dorothy Cantrell Welch.

Louis was a man of integrity, humor, strength, and endearing contradiction, who dedicated his life to his family, his country, and his passions. After graduating from Jefferson High School in Tampa, Florida, he embarked on a fulfilling career in the United States Air Force, serving with distinction for 33 years in both active and reserve duty, retiring with the rank of Chief Master Sargent. Known for always being the first to volunteer, Louis often said his best memories came from those experiences. One of his favorites was during a deployment to Italy, when—despite his fear of heights—he volunteered for a mock rooftop rescue exercise. Strapped to a harness and lifted from a rooftop by helicopter, he laughed about how he got to “see Italy while dangling from the sky.”

In 1969, while stationed at Goodfellow Air Force Base near San Angelo, Texas, Louis met the love of his life, Mary Cantrell. They married on October 2, 1969, and shared a beautiful, loving marriage until her passing on July 12, 2015. Together, they built a life filled with love and laughter. Louis was a proud and devoted father to their children: Louis Cantrell Jr. (spouse Stacy Cantrell), Michael Cantrell (fiancé Cheri McCrary), Michele Morgan (spouse Kenneth Morgan), and Ashley Tharp (spouse James Tharp III).

He cherished his role as “Granddad” to his grandchildren — Jennifer Berg (spouse Brian Berg), Dianne Cantrell, Zaine Aslam, Melissa Morgan and Matthew Morgan — and was a proud great-grandfather to Dominatrice Berg and Colton Berg, and great-great-grandfather to Athena Berg.

Beyond his professional and family life, Louis was deeply passionate about Lionism and bringing the gift of sight to those in need. His love for the Lions Club began in childhood, when Lions International provided him with his very first pair of glasses. That act of kindness inspired a lifelong commitment to serving others. Louis worked tirelessly to connect individuals with resources for eyeglasses, cataract care, and vision services, and he was honored to serve as District Governor of Lions International in 2003-2004. His dedication and compassion were recognized with numerous awards for his leadership and service.

Louis is preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Cantrell Welch; his brother, Wayne Welch; and his beloved wife, Mary Cantrell. He is survived by his sister Carole Braudis, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild, all of whom will carry forward his legacy of love, humor, and selflessness.

A Celebration of Live will be held on November 2, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The St. Petersburg Lions Club Foundation, PO Box 11734, St. Petersburg FL 33733, a cause that was close to Louis’ heart.

His legacy of love, strength, and wisdom will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew him.