Foy Bruce Cantrell Jr.

Foy Bruce Cantrell Jr., devoted husband, loving father, and supportive grandfather, left us to be with the Lord on September 4th, 2023. Bruce passed away peacefully at Medical City Arlington with his son, Brad, and daughter-in-law, June, by his side.

Bruce is survived by his beloved wife Deana whom he admired and cherished for 69 wonderful years. His legacy extends to his two sons Jeff and Brad who are so very proud of his lifelong display of integrity, and grandchildren Jeff Jr., Taylor, Chloe, Caitlyn, Julia, and daughter-in-law, June, who loved him dearly and will forever share his cheerful memories.

Born on the 11th of February 1934 in Clay County, TX, he was the eldest of 3 siblings to Evelyn and Foy Cantrell. He married his high school sweet heart, Deana Dyer on June 18, 1954 in Wichita Falls, TX.

After marrying, they moved to Great Bend, Kansas where Bruce began his journey working in the oil industry for Halliburton. Shortly after settling into their new home, he joined the army and was stationed in Germany for 2 years. Upon returning to the states, he worked as a Materials Specialist in New Orleans, LA for Standard Oil, before accepting a position in the Oil Patch industry overseas with Esso. He and his family began their adventures abroad in Libya, then to Malaysia, Singapore, and China before moving back to the United States after 22 years. Bruce considered himself “a true Texan at heart” and settled in Houston, TX where he continued working as an International Materials Manager, eventually retiring from Exxon Mobil in 1996 after 33 years of dedicated service.

Bruce was a social and active man who was an adored high school football coach shaping the lives of the young men on his team and teaching them lasting life lessons. He was also an avid sports fan and excellent golfer, creating everlasting friendships on the course. He was highly regarded by many for his active leadership as the Vice President of the Esso Eastern Club. While living in Houston, he also served on the Architectural Design Committee for the Home Owners Association where he became well known for placing American Flags around the community.

Bruce’s memory will live on as his grandkids remember their “Gramps” taking them for fun golf cart rides in Missouri City, being their short-order cook for delicious Eggo waffles and peanut butter bologna sandwiches, and always encouraging them to be kind and compassionate individuals. He truly set an example of living a life of integrity that his family and loved ones will always remember and cherish.

Bruce’s warm-hearted nature, immense generosity, and kind spirit made a lasting impact on those around him. He exemplified a life dedicated to serving his church, his community, and his loved ones, providing a guiding light for all. He loved giving to multiple charitable organizations and served as a life-long blood donor.

Our hearts are filled with joy as we remember Bruce’s embodiment of the virtues of humility, gratitude, generosity, and respect for God’s creations. In honor of his devout spirit, a private family gathering will be held to celebrate his exceptional life. In lieu of flowers, the family humbly requests contributions be made to a charity embodying the virtues he held dear as a testament to his legacy. Bruce’s boundless love and gentle spirit will forever remain in our hearts.