James "Jimmie" D. Cantrell

Services for James D. “Jimmy” Cantrell, 86, of Gainesville are set for 2 p.m. Wednesday at First Baptist Church with Rev. J.L. Williams and Dr. Mark Denison officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery under the direction of the Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home of Gainesville.

Mr. Cantrell died Sept. 16, 2007, in Sherman.

He was born May 23, 1921, in Hillsboro to Silas and Opal Cantrell. On Nov. 17, 1945, he married Bobbie Fletcher in Sanger. Jimmy Cantrell graduated from Hillsboro High School and attended Hill Junior College. He was employed by the Ben E. Keith Company for 41 years as a salesman. He was named Salesman of the Year for the entire company. He was a member of Gainesville Lodge #210, A.F.&A.M. and was a 32 Degree Member of the Scottish Rite. He was a veteran of World War II, and was a VISTO and Salvation Army volunteer. He was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church and was a member of its Deacon Board.

He served God and served others, putting his needs and desires last always. He was a very positive person, never uttering a negative or derogatory remark about anything or any person. He was one of a kind.

Survivors include his wife, Bobbie Cantrell of Gainesville; daughter and son-in-law, Pam Cantrell and Charley Henderson of Gainesville; son and daughter-in-law, Brent and Trudy Cantrell of Pilot Point; grandsons, Chris, Curt and Chad Henderson, and Dakota Cantrell; granddaughters, Danielle, Tyler and Bailey Cantrell and Courtney Henderson; three great-grandchildren, Caden, Addison and Cason; sister-in-law, Mozelle Cantrell; and nephew, David Cantrell.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Ken Cantrell; and a step-brother, Charles Cole.

Pallbearers are Chris, Curt and Chad Henderson, Dakota Cantrell, Sparky Flint, Paul Richeson, Tim Fletcher and David Cantrell.

Visitation will be at the Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home from 6 to 7 p.m. today.