Fidel Cantu

Fidel Cantu of Kodak, Tennessee went through the doorway of death to enter eternal life with his Lord on September 13, 2025.

He was born in Decatur, Indiana to Sally Sara Chavez And Domingo Ortiz. He was the oldest of 3 brothers and 3 sisters and grew up in Pontiac, Michigan.

He was employed by the city of Pontiac and worked at the Pontiac Silverdome and at City Hall directly to the Mayor until his retirement. After retirement he eventually settled in Sevier County Tennessee where he met his wife and enjoyed dancing and hiking the Great Smoky Mountains.

Life was more than work for Fidel. He relished time spent with his family. He enjoyed making friends and hanging out with them and he knew how to be a good friend. He liked to travel and experience new places. He had a quick wit and a terrific sense of humor and loved to laugh. He loved to dance and was a member of the Smoky Mountain Shaggers where he loved to socialize and dance. He was married to his wife, Teresa Barnes for 16 years, from September 12, 2009 to his death on September 13, 2025.

Fidel was a believer in Christ and knew how much he depended on him in this life. He regularly attended AA meetings and shared how God helped him with his sobriety for over 38 years.

Fidel is preceded in his death by his parents Sally Sara Chavez, Domingo Ortiz Cantu, and Step Father Carporforo "Popo" Chavez and his Grandfather Jose Cortez.

Fidel is survived by his wife Teresa Barnes of Kodak, TN, his son Rolando Cantu of Holly, MI.

Teresa's children Dr. Gabe Anderson, Jesse Williams, and Ruby Williams. His grandkids Vanessa, Vincent, Rolando Jr, Angelica, Dezeray and Adrianna. His Brothers and Sisters, Pedro Cantu, Monica Cantu Torres, Roberto Cantu, Francisa "Cookie" Cantu Almeida, Martin Felix Chavez, and Christina Chavez, their kids and spouses, nieces and nephews and cousins.

All of us who were privileged to know him will miss him.

A celebration of his life will be held at Kodak Church, 2923 Bryan Road, Kodak, TN on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. Visitation will be at 4:00 - 5:00 PM, Service of Celebration at 5:00 and social gathering following the service.