Bobbie Ruth Cantrell

Bobbie Ruth Cantrell, 95, of Gainesville, passed away July 27, 2021 in Gainesville.

Bobbie was born June 17, 1926 in Slidell.  She was raised there and graduated from Slidell High School.  She married Jimmy Cantrell on November 17, 1945 in Sanger and the couple moved to Gainesville in 1950.  Mrs. Cantrell was employed for many years as a key punch operator with National Supply.  As a 71-year-member of First Baptist Church, she loved her church family and Sunday School class.  In her free time, Mrs. Cantrell would play volleyball and bowl, and she looked forward to her regular Bridge game, a club she had belonged to since the 1950s.  She was affectionately called “Bobcat” by her family for her feisty and competitive personality.  Mrs. Cantrell enjoyed beautifying her home by decorating, cooking (particularly desserts), and maintaining a flower garden that was often visited by birds she enjoyed watching.  Her greatest joy in life was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, of whom she was very proud.  She was especially proud of her granddaughter, Nurse Courtney Waddle, who traveled to New York City to care for CoViD-19 patients.

Survivors include: daughter, Pam Henderson of Gainesville; son, Brent Cantrell and wife, Trudy of Pilot Point; seven grandchildren (and spouses): Chris Henderson (Jennifer), Chad Henderson (Morgan), Courtney Waddle (Donald), Danielle Calderon (Alex), Tyler Nichols (Tyson), Dakota Cantrell, and Bailey Cantrell; and nine great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Cantrell was preceded in death by: parents, Hugh and Myrtle (Amyx) Fletcher; husband, Jimmy Cantrell; grandson, Curt Henderson; three sisters; three brothers; and son-in-law, Charley Henderson.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, July 29, 2021 at Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home.  The funeral service for Mrs. Cantrell is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. on Friday, July 30, at First Baptist Church of Gainesville with Dr. Jeff Langley officiating.  Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter, or The Children’s Ministry at First Baptist Church of Gainesville.