
09/05/2025
Roger R. Cantrell, 80, of Wurtland, Kentucky went to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 4, 2025, due to complications from Parkinson’s Disease. He was born September 1,1945 in Ashland, Kentucky, a son of the late Bruce and Maxine Miller Cantrell. Roger was a proud member of the Raceland High School class of 1963 and an alumnus of the University of Kentucky where he earned both his bachelor’s degree in economics and his Law degree. Roger’s law career spanned forty-seven years, taking him from arguing cases at the Kentucky Supreme Court for the Highway Department to decades spent as a prosecutor to defense work in his later years, all while maintaining a family and civil law practice. No work was more rewarding for him than his time as a school board attorney, first for Greenup County Schools and then many years for the Raceland-Worthington Independent School District. He equally loved his years as the board attorney for the Ashland Regional Airport in Worthington. Roger was described by many colleagues as a great writer and orator, having a deep knowledge of law and procedure, and, most of all, as someone who treated everyone with kindness. He was an avid storyteller and could often be heard reminiscing about his adventures living in Chicago, growing up in Raceland, or playing on the football field. There was no greater supporter of Raceland Ram football than Roger—as a player, a Grandpa, and a fan. His grandchildren were the joy of his life. He rarely missed a ballgame, dance recital, or special occasion.
He is survived by his wife, Tamara; one brother, Jim (Cheryl) Cantrell of Dunedin, Florida; his four daughters, Sara (Travis) Burton of Wurtland, Kentucky, Jenifer (Wes) Cantrell of Worthington, Kentucky, Emily (Dustin) Stephenson of Danville, Kentucky, and Elizabeth (Ernest) Brooks of Jersey City, NJ; a stepdaughter Amanda Keaton; eight grandchildren, Drew Bailey, Ross Burton, Max Burton, Mia Stephenson, Reed Stephenson, Asher Stephenson, Alden Brooks, and Beau Brooks; as well as many friends and extended family. His family thanks the workers of Wurtland Nursing and Rehabilitation who kindly cared for him in the last few months of his life. Roger was a member of Victory Christian Church in Webbville, Kentucky.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, September 7 at Reed Funeral Home in Greenup, Kentucky. Visitation will be from noon until the time of the service. Condolences may be made at www.rlrfuneralhome.com.