City
Gate
Church
Gallatin

7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 NKJV

 

The Rev. Dr. Roy H. Cantrell I, 86, a resident of Cleveland, Tennessee, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 12, 2026.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Esther Cantrell, and siblings James Cantrell, Jr., Kathryn Fortner, and Dora Duncan.

 

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Ina Kaye Goins Cantrell, and children, Roy H. (Howie) Cantrell II and wife Rebecca, and Karen S. Marks and husband Huey; grandchildren Jonathan, Kristina, Cody, Trey, and Travis; great-grandchildren McKenzie, Sterling, Lucas, Laiah, Nolan, Ryleigh, Jensen, Jayden, Luke, Zane, Tucker, and Jaxon; brothers Auldin Cantrell and Michael Cantrell; sisters Zetta Steins and husband Jerry, and Novella Brewer and husband Don; and a host of nieces and nephews.

 

Dr. Cantrell was a man of God first and foremost, a devoted husband, a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, a cherished brother, and a treasured friend. He was a prolific reader and researcher, and his delight was in-depth study of God’s Word.

 

Dr. Cantrell was born on August 22, 1939, in the coal-mining town of Shelby Gap, Kentucky, From these humble beginnings, he began his ministry which encompassed many years of pastoral ministry and missionary travels. Dr. Cantrell was proud of his designation as a Kentucky Colonel in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, his birthplace.

 

He pastored churches in Illinois, Louisiana, Tennessee, Maryland, and Mississippi.

In addition, he directed church youth camps for many years and taught in International Youth Camps. Dr. Cantrell’s ministry included being certified as a Southeast Regional Director for Evangelism Explosion, a ministry for which he was passionate, and founder of Life Management Institute. One of his greatest achievements was founding City Gate Church where he remained Pastor Emeritus along with his wife Kaye, until he received his eternal reward.

 

His mission travels include eleven countries: Russia, Africa, England, Israel, Italy, Egypt, Jamaica, Mexico, Canada, Honduras, and Guatemala.

 

Dr. Cantrell’s education included Bible Training Camp, Tomlinson College, Christian Life School of Theology in which he received a Doctor of Ministry degree, and Cornerstone University where he graduated as a Doctor of Philosophy in clinical counseling.

 

He has authored the following books, Scars and Stripes, Sow Joy, Soul-ly Yours, and Dancing on the Rubble. At the time of his death, he was in the process of authoring another book.

 

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Peerless Church, 3301 Peerless Rd NW Cleveland, Tennessee, September 26, 2026. The family will receive guests from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., with the service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Jim Rush Funeral and Cremation Services has charge of the arrangements. You may share your condolences and your memories with the Cantrell family at www.jimrushfuneralhomes.com.

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