Donald Cantrell

Published 11:28 am Friday, March 28, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Don “Pete” Cantrell, who left this world on March 3, 2025, just 2 hours and 53 minutes shy of his 90th birthday.  Known affectionately as “Pete” by his Valley, Alabama family and friends, Don was a man of unwavering generosity, a devoted sports enthusiast, and a lifelong Crimson Tide loyalist.  His selflessness, evident in his constant care for others, will remain a guiding memory for all who knew him.

Don began his professional journey by serving his country in the United State Air Force, where he was stationed in Alaska.  After his honorable discharge, his professional journey concluded with a distinguished career at J. H. Williams/Snap-on, where he retired as both Controller and HR Manager.

His integrity and leadership left a lasting impact on those he worked with.

A gifted writer with an uncanny ability to weave words with precision and wit, Don’s mastery of language could challenge even the most educated of scholars to reach for a dictionary.  His love for words was rivaled only by his love for family and football.

Don leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience in his seven children:  Kacey Rene Cantrell, Meghan Cantrell-Sanchez, Samantha Cantrell, Allan Light, Deann Martini, Kurt Cantrell, and Donna Stancato; 10 grandchildren, Ailen and Rowan Dykes,  Jonathan, Dylan, and Mekenna Cantrell, Lucas and Reyna Sanchez, Andrew and Samuel Stancato, and Cloe Donovan; and, one great-grandchild, Hadey Stancato.  His memory will live on in their hearts, stories, and the values he instilled.

He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Mary Lucille Bullard Cantrell, father, Leroy Cantrell, sister, Antricia Cantrell, and brother, Lamar Cantrell.

As we say goodbye, we hold fast to the warmth of his memory and the lessons of kindness and humility he imparted.  Family and loved ones will gather privately to celebrate his life at a later date.  Anyone who wishes to attend his “Celebration of Life” on March 30, 2025, please email Upmost.Ones.08@icloud.com for details regarding.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his memory to a charity of choice, reflecting Don’s generous spirit and lifelong commitment to help others.

Rest in peace, Don “Pete” Cantrell.  Your legacy of love, words, and selflessness will remain forever in our hearts.