Richard Cantrell

Richard Clark Cantrell, 81, of Columbus, Mississippi, passed away at home on Friday, April 3, 2026 at Sanctuary Hospice in Tupelo. He was born on July 23, 1944, in Quincy Mississippi, to Isom and Arvilla Cantrell. A native of north Mississippi, Richard attended Hamilton High School before continuing his education at Itawamba Community College. During his time at Hamilton High School, he was an outstanding athlete where he excelled at football, basketball and track and field, lettering in football and basketball in 1961.

Richard served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in service. After returning home, Richard moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, where he met his wife, Kathy, who preceded him in death in January 2009. During his years in New Orleans, he first worked as a mason before beginning a long career in marine terminal operations and shipping/cargo and container safety. He retired from Associated Terminals in 2010. In recent years, he and his close companion, Marilyn Stevens, returned to north Mississippi and made their home in Columbus.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at Tisdale-Lann Memorial Funeral Home in Aberdeen with Bro. Butch Bryan officiating. Burial will be in Baker Cemetery in Greenwood Springs.

He is survived by his children, Tanya Furra of Paris, Texas; Susan Maresma of Renton, Washington; and Jim Mitchell of Brookline, Massachusetts; as well as his grandchildren, Cole Cantrell, Jennifer Cantrell, Katherine Hillman-Mitchell, Rich Maresma, and Chris Maresma.

Richard will be remembered for his generosity, strength, quiet resilience, and deep loyalty to those he loved.

Pallbearers will be Mike Maresma, Steve Furra, Jennifer Cantrell, Katherine Hillman-Mitchell, and Robert White.

Visitation will be from 12 noon until the service hour at the funeral home.

Condolences may be shared with the family at tisdalelannmemorialfh.com