Billie “Bill” Ray Cantrell, born on May 30, 1947, in Scotts City, Missouri, peacefully passed away on March 12, 2024, at Stevens County Hospital in Hugoton, Kansas. He was surrounded by his loving family during his final moments. He was the son of Charles Hildred and Lola Bernadine (Jackson) Cantrell.

He and Mary Vinetta Pierce were married on May 14, 1965 in Clayton, New Mexico. To this marriage were four children, Don, Sheila, Brenda, and Shelley.

Bill was a dedicated employee at Martin Trucking for over two decades, starting in 1995 and retiring in 2018. His commitment and hard work left a lasting impact on all who had the pleasure of working with him.

Outside of his professional life, Bill found joy in the simple pleasures of camping and being amidst the mountains. He was known to be a man of great character – a loving father and a devoted husband to his late wife, Vinetta.

In the wake of his passing, Bill leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Vinetta, daughter Shelley, granddaughter Railey, brother Charles, and sister Glenda Cox.

Bill will be dearly missed and forever remembered by his surviving family members: son Don Cantrell and wife Angela of Hugoton, KS.; daughters Sheila Demoret and husband Bruce of Dodge City, KS., Brenda Young and fiancé Shawn Wilson of Enid, OK.; brothers JC Cantrell and wife Gina of Hugoton, KS., Jim Cantrell and wife Sali of Sealy, TX.; sister Sheryn Garverick of Hugoton, KS.; grandchildren Natalie Hogie and husband Clayton, Cory Demoret and wife Tynisha, Brett Demoret, Blake Demoret and wife Angel, Caitlin Peters and husband Nicholas, Taylor Reynolds and wife Stevie, Tanner Reynolds; as well as numerous other relatives and friends.

A memorial has been established for Pheasant Heaven Charities, in the care of Robson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 236, Hugoton, Kansas 67951.

Visitation services for Bill will be held at Robson Funeral Home in Hugoton on March 14th from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and on March 15th from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. A Funeral Service will take place at Assembly of God Church in Hugoton on March 16th at 10:30 AM followed by burial at Hugoton Cemetery with Pastor Tim Singer presiding the service.

Bill’s kindness and warmth touched the lives of many. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew him. May he rest in peace.