Robert E. "Gene" Cantrell, age 86, of Smithville, passed away Tuesday night, October 23, 2018 at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital in Murfreesboro.  He was a member of the Elizabeth Chapel Baptist Church and a nurseryman, farmer and retired factory worker. 

 He was born June 24, 1932 to his parents, the late Lee Jackson and Stella Taylor Cantrell.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Claxton Cantrell. 

 He is survived by two nephews, Boyd (Brenda) Cantrell of Smithville and Claxton (Mary) Cantrell, Jr. of Peoria, IL; two great-nephews, Aaron (Sabrina) Cantrell and Collin (Summer) Cantrell; two great-great-nephews, Patrick and Knox Cantrell and one great-great-niece, McKenzie Cantrell and best friend, Reva Judkins. 

 Funeral service was held Sunday, October 28, 2018 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bros. Bill Robertson and Joel Wood officiating and burial following in Cantrell Cemetery. 

 Serving as pallbearers were Aaron Cantrell, Colin Cantrell, Tyan Cantrell, Johnny Pack, Tony Cross and Mack Harney.

 DeKalb Funeral Chapel, Smithville, was in charge of the arrangements.