He died after an accident at the Green River Plantation.

He was born on Oct. 12, 1934, in Polk County. He served in the military during the Korean War. He worked at Drayton Mills before graduating Falls College in Atlanta. He was an illustrator and model maker with the Central Intelligence Agency in Washington, D.C., for 23 years. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Rutherfordton for 23 years and a member of the choir. Eugene and his wife, Ellen, own the Green River Plantation in Polk County.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Ellen Clayton Cantrell; his daughter, Amanda Cantrell of Lake Lanier, Tryon; and guardian daughter, Cheyenne Miller; two brothers, Lewis Cantrell of Shelby and David Cantrell and wife, Linda, of Green Creek; and a sister, Rebecca Henderson of Raleigh.

Visitation was held from

6 until 8 p.m. Sunday at McMahan&squo;s Funeral Home in Rutherfordton. A funeral was held at 11 a.m. Monday at First Baptist Church, Rutherfordton. The interment followed at Green Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

Family and friends are invited to the Gate House at the Green River Plantation following the burial services.

McMahan&squo;s Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.mcmahansfuneralhome.com.

‐ paid obituary