Otis Edward Cantrell, 76, of Flat Rock went home be with his heavenly father Tuesday, March 22, 2022, while caring for the animals that brought him so much joy.
Otis was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County and son of the late Elmer and Fannie Hall Cantrell. He was a retired carpenter who still enjoyed working with his hands and had the ability to bring out a unique beauty in everything he built. Otis was known for his infectious smile and sweet spirit and loved spending time with his family and friends or on the farm caring for and playing with the animals he loved.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Bruce Edward Cantrell.
He is survived by his daughter, Alisa Cantrell McLaughlin (fiancé James Lytle) of Black Mountain; his sister, Libby Cantrell; brothers Jesse, William, and Thomas Cantrell all of Hendersonville; beloved grandchildren, Sarah McLaughlin (Chris), Cody Cantrell, & Samantha McIntosh (Jarod); two great-grandchildren and a number of stepchildren, nieces, and nephews. He is also survived by his “adopted” family The Smith’s Tim, Carol, Bessie, Daniel (Sara & Philip), Megan & Brady Williams, and very special friends Laura (George) & Susan all of whom he loved and cherished spending time with.
There will be a homegoing service on Friday, March 25, 2022, at 12:00 pm in the Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel. A time a visitation will be held one hour before services from 11:00 am till 12:00 pm. To donate to the family to assist with ongoing expenses, click HERE .
My condolences to Otis’s family. Rest in peace my old friend. Otis and I started the 1st grade together at East Flat Rock Elementary and into high school at East Henderson. He was always a true friend.
I went to East High with Otis. He was always a very nice and friendly guy. He remained that way through out his life. My sincere condolences to his family.
If you can judge the heart of a man by the way he treats his fellow animals, Otis’s heart was surely made of pure gold. Always kind and patient, devoted and selfless, he was adored by all at Echo Hill Farm.
Otis had the unique ability, and the patience, to take one of my crazy ideas and create something beautiful with his experienced eye and skilled craftsmanship. Together we planted so many trees at Echo HIll – evergreens for me, George’s favorite figs, hazelnuts for my grandson Tristan, and a beautiful sugar maple in memory of our grandson Rhys.
Through all the highs and lows of life, Otis was a steadfast and dearly treasured friend. Our farm will never be the same without you, Otis.
One of my favorite things about going to visit my sister Laura was getting to see Otis on the farm. Some people have that natural ability to ‘speak’ with animals, and he did. I remember watching him sit in the grass with a sheep nuzzling his palm for treats and a goat nibbling his shoulder. Perfect happiness. Otis, you will be missed by us all.
I remember Otis as being a sweet and kind man.We went to school together. Prayers to all the family. Sorry for your loss.
I’ll always remember the times that Eddie would take my brother Ted and I fishing when we were young. Eddie was a truly very nice man.
Otis (Eddie to me) came into my life when I really needed someone. He became very special to me. I will miss him very much but have a lot of good memories of him and will always remember his great smile.