Mr. Raymond Walter Cantrell, Jr., age 85 of Ellijay, GA, passed away on Monday, May 25th, 2026 at his residence.

Mr. Cantrell was born on November 3rd, 1940 in Ellijay, GA to the late Raymond Walter Cantrell, Sr. and Reba Fair Woody Cantrell. He was a faithful member of Harvest Missionary Church of Ellijay, GA and loved the Lord deeply. Mr. Cantrell was a devoted family man whose greatest joy in life was spending time with those he loved. He worked faithfully as an equipment repairer for Lockheed for 33 years, where he was known for his strong work ethic, dedication, and skillful hands. He also proudly and honorably served our nation in the United States Army Reserves. Mr. Cantrell will be remembered for his quiet strength, kind heart, and the love he showed to his family and friends throughout his life.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Cantrell is preceded in death by two sisters, Alene Waddell and Evelyn Lewis.

He is survived by his loving wife, Peggy Cantrell of Ellijay, GA; son and daughter-in-law, Timothy (Wendy) Long of Acworth, GA; daughter, Stacie Collett of Ellijay, GA; brother and sister-in-law, Fairley (Freda Sue) Cantrell of Ellijay, GA, Frank (Shirley) Christmas; sisters and brother in-law, Sybil Bramlett and Linda (Dempsey) Moseley; four grandchildren and their spouses, Hudson (Saja) Long, Ethan Long, Hope (Andrew) Sargent, and Justin (Adriana) Collett; two great-grandchildren, Hudson Long, IV, and Wren Long, and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral Services to honor the life of Mr. Cantrell will be held on Friday, May 29th, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Bernhardt Funeral Home. The North Georgia Honor Guard will render final military rites and present the flag. Following the service, Mr. Cantrell will be cremated.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 28th, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Food and Flowers will be accepted in memory of Mr. Raymond Cantrell, Jr.

Bernhardt Funeral Home of Ellijay, GA is entrusted with these arrangements.