Legacy’s Centenarians: The Life Story of Joe Cantrell

During WWII, Joe enlisted as a medic in the army and saw active duty. Although one of the hardest things he’d done, he is proud to have fought for his country. After the war, Joe met and married the love of his life, Hazel. They had one son together and eventually one grandchild. Some of Joe’s happiest memories involve going to Florida to spend time with his son and grandchild and fishing in the ocean.

Joe Cantrell was born on a farm in the Lake Creek community in Cedartown, Georgia on December 11, 1922. At nearly 102 years old, Joe says he had a normal childhood full of church, school, chores, playing outside, and of course, going to the movies on Saturdays.

Joe initially opened a clothing store, but he predominantly spent his professional career working for Bekaert Corporation for 25 years. He also worked for General Electric.

Joe moved into Renaissance Marquis in July 2021, and he is known for his positive personality, infectious love of Georgia football and for breaking out in song to the tunes of “Oh My Darling Clementine” and “Hey Good Lookin’.” What he loves most about Renaissance Marquis is that he gets to visit regularly with his great-niece who works there.