Darrel Charles Cantrell Sr.

Mr. Darrel Charles Cantrell, Sr. passed away at home on December 10, 2025, after a lengthy illness. He was born in Acworth, GA, on July 28, 1942, to Clyde and Willie Mae Haynes Cantrell.

Darrel enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1961 and served proudly for 22 years, retiring as a Master Sergeant. A dedicated crew chief and later a recruiter, he served various countries including Germany, Libya, and Vietnam.

A man who loved his Falcons, Braves, and WWE, Darrel also had a lifelong passion for firearms and never missed the chance to explore a pawn shop or yard sale.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde Cantrell and Willie Mae Haynes Cantrell; sisters Guyrene Cantrell and Lorene Cantrell Scroggs; and brother Lawrence Dallas Cantrell.

Darrel is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Jackie Keasler Cantrell; sons Darrel Cantrell, Jr. and Railer Cantrell (Gina); grandson Brian Butterworth (Whitley); great-grandsons Eli Butterworth and Noah Day; stepchildren Deron Safrit (Leslie) and Beverly Safrit Wilhite (Dean); step-grandchildren Laura Williams, Anne Raynor (Stephen), Olivia Safrit, Carly Safrit, and Jessica Safrit Halliburton (Jason); step-great-grandchildren Shepherd and Bennett Halliburton; along with three nieces and a nephew.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Lakeside Funeral Home, with family receiving friends an hour prior. Burial with honors will follow at Georgia National Cemetery.

In keeping with Darrel's deep respect for all who serve, the Cantrell family requests that memorial donations be made to the Cherokee Veterans Community through FBCW.org by selecting "Donate/Tithe" and noting "Military Ministry in honor of Darrel Cantrell."