Thomas Cantrell

June 23, 1923 – June 9, 2020

Born in Hackleburg, Alabama, he grew up in Birmingham and Jackson, Mississippi. Thomas was a WWII veteran serving as a Sergeant in the 8th Air Force in England (1943-1945). While attending the University of Alabama (1946-1949) he enrolled in the ROTC program and earned his 2nd Lt. Commission. For 14 additional years he was active in the Army Reserves (Corps of Engineers) during the Korean and Vietnam conflict. He became inactive in 1964 retiring as a Captain and Company Commander. After graduating from University of Alabama in 1949, Tommy taught math and electronics to Army officers at Keesler Air Base, Biloxi, Mississippi.

In 1953, he and his family moved from Mississippi to Huntsville to work at Marshall Space Flight Center/ NASA with the space program where he made many contributions. He retired in 1978 after 31 years in Civil Service. Since 1954, Tommy was a member of Huntsville First Baptist Church where he taught Adult Sunday School and was an Adult Dept. leader for some 30 years. At age 94, after living in Huntsville 64 years, he moved to Chattanooga to be near his daughter.

Known for his gentle nature, he spent his days staying active, inventive and ever curious. His greatest joy was taking care of his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids (who called him “Boo”). He found comfort in these words after the loss of his daughter- “I’ll see you in the morning sun, and when the day is through. I’ll be looking at the moon and still be seeing you.” These simple words will now bring us comfort.

He is survived by his daughter Eugenia Cantrell Garrett (Jim Blevins); Four grandkids- Lauren (Mills) Harris, Josh (Jeannie) Noblitt, Maggie (Carlton) Jackson and Kate (Bob) McBryar; and eight great grandkids. He is preceded in death by his wives Bobby McKay (1946-1998) and Peggy Sockwell (2000-2006); and his daughter Mary Lou Cantrell Brown (1953-2005).

Arrangements entrusted to Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services Franklin -Strickland Chapel, 1724 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN, 37404, 423-265-4414. Please visit our website to share your memories: www.advantagefranklin-strickland.com