 |
5949 Clay Avenue, SW, Grand
Rapids, MI 49548, USA |
||
|
|||
|
|
2000 Cadillac
Waterford Hearse by Krystal
| Shown above is Mr. Ray Cantrell, Cantrell Funeral Home, with
the first 2000 Cadillac Waterford Hearse to be delivered in Michigan. Mr. Cantrell came to Detroit just before World War II, from his home state of Georgia. His original choice of profession was to become a doctor. However, after the war consumed a few years of his time, he told his wife he did not want to go to school so long, and made the decision to become a mortician. Mr. Cantrell remembers her exact response was "you're crazy!" However, he said he does not regret making the decision. Mr. Cantrell worked at the Ford Rouge plant, and in his own barber shop, until he was able to open a funeral home. A few years later, he purchased the existing Cooper Brothers Mortuary, at 10400 Mack Avenue, which is still the current address of Cantrell Funeral Home. One of the offices at Cantrell's is decorated with photographs showing funeral cars they have used in the past. Some include what we would now consider antique flower cars. The current fleet consists of four hearses, two limousines and a flower-car. He said the flower-car is a must, as some of the large funerals have so many flowers, they can not be carried along in the hearse. Besides the convenience of additional flower storage, using the flower-car makes for a great looking procession. In reflection, Mr. Cantrell said he came to Detroit not knowing anybody. Now, he is extremely thankful for all of the friendships that have developed, and the good business he has been blessed with. When asked what he considers to be the most valuable thing he has learned over the years, he replied "Keep the Lord as your partner…your plans will go farther." |
|
|
||||
