Melvin Lee Cantrell

Melvin Lee Cantrell went to be with the Lord, Monday, June 26, 2023, at Tennova Hospital in Powell, Tennessee. A devout man of faith and a member of First Baptist Church of Clinton, Melvin had a very special relationship with God. He was very compassionate in helping people with a variety of construction skills. He was born on August 8, 1946, in Sparta, Tennessee, the son of William Everett Cantrell, Sr. and Jimmie Lou Cantrell (Montgomery). After graduating from White County High School and Tennessee Technology Center, Melvin volunteered and served in the United States Army from 1965 to 1968. He was a Vietnam Veteran who earned a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star, and other medals. As a door gunner on a Huey helicopter, he was shot in action and spent a year hospitalized. After his discharge from the Army, Melvin worked in car manufacturing, cabinet making, maintenance at Anderson County Schools before finally spending the last 20 years of his career as a Mail Handler at the United States Post Office. Melvin was preceded in death by beloved parents, William, Sr. and Jimmie Lou Cantrell; six brothers and three sisters; brothers, William, Jr., Frank, Donald, Robert, Harold Gene, and Jerry Wayne; sisters, Virginia Mise, Wanda Johnson, and Debra Carter; father-in-law and mother-in-law, J.B. and Mildred Quinn (Pierce); brother-in-law, James Leon Seely, brother and sister-in-law, Zeb and Betty Gambill (Quinn). He is survived by loving wife of almost 17 years, Mary Frances Cantrell (Quinn); son, Barry Nathan Cantrell; three sisters; Barbara Henderson, Carlene Brown, and Diana Phifer; sister-in-law, Catherine Cantrell; brother-in-law, Ronald Carter; brothers and sister-in-laws, James and Margaret Quinn, Eddie and Tammy Quinn, and Morgan Quinn and sister-in-law, Nancy Seely; and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 5:00–7:00pm on Friday, June 30, 2023, at Mynatt Funeral Home in Powell, Tennessee. A service officiated by Reverend Mark McCoig will be held at 7:00pm. Family and friends will meet at 11:45am on Saturday, July 1, 2023, at Mynatt Funeral Home, Powell Chapel, for the processional to Lynnhurst Cemetery in Fountain City. The interment will begin at 1:00pm, with military burial and full honors. Online condolences may be expressed at www.mynattfh.com.