Mr. Willie James Cantrell of Jacksonville, Florida died Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at Baptist South Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 10:00 AM at the A. S. Clark Auditorium on the M. D. Whitest Medical Institute Campus in Cordele, Georgia.  The burial will follow at the Sunnyside Cemetery in Cordele, Georgia.  Everyone in attendance is asked to please wear a mask and to practice social distancing.

Willie James Cantrell, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend passed away at 71 years of age on Tuesday     morning, September 13, 2022, at Baptist Medical South in Jacksonville, Florida.

On August 6, 1951, Willie was born to Garnett and Allene Cantrell in Vienna, Georgia. At an early age he became a member of Holly Grove Baptist Church, Vienna, Georgia. As a young man living on 8th Avenue in Cordele, Georgia, he enjoyed playing basketball and, if he were telling it, would say he taught the game to a few of the best. He graduated from Crisp County High School, Class of 1971.

Willie married his high school sweetheart, Audrey, at her family home in Cordele, Georgia, on August 18, 1972. Shortly after they relocated to West Palm Beach, Florida and in 1976 had their only child, Sabrina. During his years in West Palm Beach, he spent his time working for a local construction company, became co-owner of Bronze Builders, sang with The Florida Centralaires, and cherished time with family. Willie and Audrey relocated to Jacksonville, Florida in 1998 and later joined Emanuel Missionary Baptist Church. While in Jacksonville, Willie worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator and also owned Willie's Smokehouse BBQ. He found enjoyment in friends and cheering for his grandchildren at their games and recitals.

Willie had a compassionate spirit and an undeniable love for family. He valued hard work and never claimed retirement. He was an avid music lover and was usually the smoothest swing dancer on the floor.

Willie is preceded in death by his parents, Garnett and Allene Cantrell; his brothers, W.D. Cantrell and Franklin Cantrell; his sisters, Vera Lois Bryant, and Bernice Grace Cantrell.

Willie leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Audrey Means Cantrell of Jacksonville, Florida; his daughter and son-in-law, Sabrina Cantrell Francis, Kevin Kaream Francis of Orange Park, Florida; his grandchildren whom he loved dearly, Miles Garnett Francis and Laylah Cantrell Francis of Orange Park, Florida; his brothers, James Lee (Mosella) Cantrell of Riviera Beach, Florida,  Reverend L.C. (Irene) Cantrell of Cordele, Georgia, Sammie (Deanne) Cantrell of Paterson, New Jersey, John (Sheila) Cantrell of Sarasota, Florida; his uncle, Aaron (Mae) Wallace of Cordele, Georgia; his aunts, Annie Eva Wallace and Caldon Wallace of Vienna, Georgia; his brothers-in-law, Augusta Means of Sparta, Georgia, Carl Means of Jacksonville, Florida; his sisters-in-law, Luvonia Cantrell of Port St. Lucie, Florida, Yvonne Cantrell of Atlanta, Georgia, Dorothy Means (Eugene) Thomas of Statham, Georgia, Willie Mae Means Dexter of Cordele, Georgia; and a host of cherished nieces, nephews, and close friends.