West Virginia - Suffering ceased for 76 year old Spencer Thurman Cantrell when he passed from this life on Saturday, October 31st, 2020 at Bowers Hospice House in Beckley, WV.

Thurman was a resident of Pineville, WV.

Thurman was lovingly raised with his five siblings in the home of the late Reverend Leonard Franklin Cantrell and the late Viola Baker Cantrell. His only sister, Violet Jean Robb, preceded him in death earlier this year then welcomed him to the other side as evidenced by his calling of her name. His beloved brother-in-law Don Robb also preceded him in death.

After graduating from Baileysville High School, Thurman served his country proudly for 8 years in the United States Air Force. His love of country remained strong throughout his life. There was nothing more fitting than what occurred the night before his passing than when he was pinned, saluted and prayed for by a volunteer Veteran at the Bowers Hospice House. He was very patriotic.

After his military service, Thurman returned to WV and spent his life employed as an electrician in mining machine shops. The bulk of his career was split between J&S Mining and Adams Manufacturing. His employment was never referenced to as a job but rather as a hobby. Whether at home or in shops, Thurman acted as a trouble-shooting specialist with nothing pleasing him more than tinkering on broken things. Many termed him a 'collector of things.' He often repaired or created something usable or new from something old. Gardening vegetables and working with flowers he planted were other activities he enjoyed. It can be said that challenging his mind and busying his hands were the way he spent his days.

The love of his life, Millie Cantrell, adored longer than the 53 years they have been married, survives him. Descendants who revered him include his daughter Angie Pinter and her husband Frank of Pineville, WV and son Jonathan Cantrell and his wife Wendy of Princeton, WV.

Surviving siblings include Chester Cantrell and wife, Fran of Brenton, WV; James 'Jack' Cantrell and wife, Loretta of Mill Creek, WV; Herman Cantrell and wife, Kathy of Mill Creek, WV and Stan Cantrell and wife, Dee of Rock View, WV. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

The source of his pride were his four grandsons. He could be found either participating in or cheering from the sidelines in all of their activities. Surviving grandsons include Jacob and Eli Pinter of Pineville, WV and Chase and Gabe Cantrell of Princeton, WV.

Thurman was a friend to all and lived his life reflecting his faith. A devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served in several positions throughout the years. Shortly before the end of his excruciating battle with cancer, handwritten notes of his found included the following words which capture who he was, what he taught and how he lived. Those words written were "Have faith in Jesus Christ. Lean on Him. Emulate Jesus Christ. Put faith in action. He is our "How-To Book."

A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, November 4, 2020, from the Evans-Calfee Funeral Home Chapel in Pineville, with Brother Jon Passic officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 A.M. until the service hour at the funeral home in Pineville. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery in Princeton with military graveside rites provided by the Mercer County Veterans Honor Guard. Those wishing to attend the graveside services are requested to meet at the cemetery by 2:00 P.M.

Due to the Governors mandate, masks and social distancing

will be observed.

Online condolences may be shared with the family via www.memorialfd.com.

The family thanks the staff at Raleigh General Hospital 4th Floor and the Bowers Hospice House for their attentive, compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations be made to Hospice of Southern West Virginia, P.O. Box 1472, Beckley WV 25802-1472 or to your local VFW group.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

The Cantrell family is being serviced by Memorial Funeral Directory and Evans-Calfee Funeral Service.