Matthew "Matt" Walter Kantala, III

Mr. Matthew (Matt) W. Kantala III, 73, passed away peacefully on October 13th, 2026 at Brown Health and Rehab in Royston, GA. 

A lifelong resident of Elberton, Georgia and born to the late Matthew Kantala Jr. and Sara Tatum Kantala. Matt was a 3rd generation quarryman, a member of the Elberton First Methodist Church and a member of Philomathea Masonic Lodge #25.

Matt had a larger-than-life personality. He was an avid golfer, outdoorsmen, and adventurer. Matt was the kind of friend who was always there when you needed him. Generous by nature, if he had something and you needed it, he would give it without a second thought. Those fortunate enough to call him a friend knew they could always count on him, and his loyalty, kindness, and willingness to help others will be deeply missed.

Most of all, Matt was a devoted family man. He loved his wife, Ethel, deeply and took great pride in being a husband, father, and grandfather. He was an involved father who spent countless hours coaching his children’s Little League teams and supporting them throughout their lives. When his grandson faced cancer, he was a constant source of love, strength, and support for his daughter, Mori, and their family.

He was also preceded in death by his sister, Carol Kantala Burns; son, Matthew Walter Kantala IV.; his grandson, Grant William Terrell; and mother-in-Law, Marylea Adams Bell.

Matt is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Ethel Bell Kantala, three daughters; Meghan (Chris) Burgess of Hartwell, GA, Mori (Steven) Terrell of Carnesville, GA and Mary Rachel (Danny) Clasen of Decatur, GA, 8 grandchildren; Maylea and CJ Burgess, Elizabeth, Gracie, and Jessie Terrell, Nora James and Henry Clasen, and Gray Kantala, and his sister; Carin Kantala.

A visitation to celebrate Matt’s life will be held on Thursday, October 22nd from 5:00-7:00p.m. at Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton.

Berry Funeral Home and Crematory of Elberton is in charge of the funeral arrangement for Mr. Matthew "Matt" W. Kantala, III.