James L. "Luke" Cantrell

James L. "Luke" Cantrell, 91, of Etowah passed away Tuesday, January 25, 2011, at Woods Memorial Hospital.

A native and lifelong resident of McMinn County, he was the son of the late Creed Jones Cantrell Sr., and Lou Walker Cantrell.

He was a long-time member of Goodsprings Baptist Church of Etowah. He served on the U.S. Military during World War II from 1943-1946, serving the Luzon Campaign, he was the recipient of the Bronze Battle Star and Purple Heart. Prior to his entry in the Army, he was employed at Mayfield Dairy Farm, upon his return; he had a small farm and raised horses and ponies. He participated in many local wagon trains. His love for horses continued throughout his later years. He was preceded in death by his parents, listed above; two sisters, Nettie Bigham and Mary Lee Torbett; three brothers, Bill Cantrell, Creed Cantrell and Iago Cantrell.

Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Zeola Cantrell of Etowah, TN; one son, James D. Cantrell of Maryville, TN; one grandson, James D. Cantrell of Woodstock, GA; one great-grandchild, Peyton J. Cantrell of Woodstock, GA; one sister-in-law, Jo Cantrell of Athens, TN and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held at 3:30 pm Thursday, January 27, 2011, in the South Chapel of Bordwine Funeral Home in Etowah. The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 3:30 pm Thursday prior to the service. Burial will follow at McMinn Memory Gardens with military honors.

Bordwine Funeral Home of Etowah in charge of arrangements.