A True Area Legend
JANUARY 25, 1932 – MAY 29, 2026
Floyd Matthew Cantwell, age 94, passed away peacefully early Friday morning in Liberty Hill, Texas surrounded by his loved ones.
Born on January 25, 1932, Floyd lived much of his life in Leander and Briggs, Texas, where he became known not only as a successful businessman but as a man whose generosity and kindness left a lasting mark on countless lives. Through his wrecking and salvage business, land development ventures, livestock operations, and years operating a livestock auction, Floyd built a reputation for hard work and determination. Yet those who knew him best would say his greatest success was the way he treated people.
Floyd embodied the spirit of Texas. He believed in hard work, helping neighbors, and giving back to the community that had supported him throughout his life. While his philanthropy benefited many organizations and individuals over the years, those closest to him will remember that his generosity extended far beyond financial contributions. Anyone who walked through the doors of his business was likely to find a warm welcome, a helping hand, and a man willing to listen.
Family was at the center of Floyd’s life. He loved gathering loved ones together, whether for his legendary birthday celebrations or the annual family reunions at Oak Grove. Many of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s favorite memories include the fireworks he eagerly provided each year, delighting in watching the younger generations light up the Texas sky. He took great pride in his family and found joy in bringing people together.
Floyd also had a lifelong passion for livestock and ranching. He enjoyed raising and managing various livestock throughout the years and found fulfillment in the work and lifestyle that came with it. Even at the end of life, he was filled with joy driving his off-road wheelchair around the pastures checking on the animals.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen Cantwell, and his daughters, Elizabeth and Claudia. He is survived by a large and loving family, including his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family members, and many dear friends. He leaves behind eight children, twenty-seven grandchildren, and thirty-two great-grandchildren—a testament to a life well-lived and a legacy that will continue for generations.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers who helped care for Floyd in his final days, especially his hospice nurses, Kristy and Dee of Gentiva Hospice. Their kindness, professionalism, and support brought comfort to both Floyd and his family during a difficult time.
Floyd’s legacy lives on not only in the businesses he built or the properties he developed, but in the countless lives he touched through his generosity, his friendship, and his unwavering love for family. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The following from the FB Group – Oak Grove Church and Cemetery on Bull Creek
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Floyd Matthew Cantwell.
Services-
Location: Chapel of The Hills Cook-Walden
Date: June 8, 2026
Time: 11AM
Followed by graveside service at Oak Grove Cemetery
Visitation: June 7, 2026
Time: 4pm-6pm
Floyd was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. We find comfort in the many memories, stories, and lessons he shared throughout his life.
Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
The following from Ronnie Lewis.
Now for my own commentary on the life of Floyd. I can’t tell you I knew him as a personal friend because my only interactions were more causal meetings at his wrecking yard at a location that is now 183A and RR 2243 in Leander or down at my dads (Cecil Lewis) fishing camp in Smithwick.
But I always knew of Floyd Cantwell even from a very early age, while growing up down on Bull Creek, way up Spicewood Springs Road. His original wrecking yard was on Spicewood Springs Rd, just at the western edge of Austin. My dad would go there and get parts from Floyd or stop by to shoot the bull. I regret not knowing him on that more personal level.
Back when Ken Roberts book, The Cedar Chopper came out, I read that book with great interests and a few years ago I ran across an oral history between Floyd and Mr. Roberts done during preparation of the writing of the book.
I’ll give links below to that interview. It’s almost an hour long, broken into 4 segments, but I encourage you to find the time to listen to it. I can’t imagine anyone not enjoying it.
Let me know what you think about it.
This is the series of links to the interview:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1XSPNq21qn/?mibextid=wwXIfr
The Oak Grove Church and Cemetery talked about above sits right down along Bull Creek. In fact our favorite swimming hole that we must frequented is directly below that cemetery. You may recall a story and song I’ve done about the swimming holes on Bull Creek. (I’ll add a link below for that also) This could turn into a real smorgasbord of storytelling all wrapped up in one.
Oh, let me tell you, that old Oak Grove Church was maybe either Apostolic or Pentecostal back in the 1950s and 60s. It may still be but doesn’t seem to be still branded that way. Our house was just up the creek from there, less than a mile. On certain nights when they were holding church and the times when they were having revivals those sounds and the music came up that holler and made it feel just like we were there. Sometimes it was haunting enough that I still remember it all these years later.
Story about Swimming Holes Along Bull Creek
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Cvux9dC6G/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Song about Swimming Holes Along Bull Creek
Angora Chronicles 