James Daniel (Dan) Cecil

As the sun rose on February 16th, 2021 James Daniel “Dan” Cecil rose to be with his Heavenly Father, Son and Holy Spirit, entering a glorious bright eternal life! He knew that even though we live in this world, we are not of this world and it was time to go home to be healed and made whole once again. As the celebration begins on the other side, the ones left behind to celebrate his life is his soulmate who shared 58 years of his journey on the Earth, Joyce “Cat” Proctor Cecil. They pledged their eternal love for one another on November 10th, 1962. They were blessed with two daughters Joy Cecil (Marcantel) and Jill Dana Cecil and later a son-in-law Dan Marcantel. The light in his life continued to grow brighter as grandchildren were added, Danielle Elizabeth Marcantel, Charles “Charlie” Austin Marcantel and Corey Justin Cecil (Nacole Hall). The light brightened even more when he found he was going to be a great grandpa with the soon to be arrival in May of great granddaughter Kyndal Cecil. His grandchildren proved to him that a person’s heart can live outside of their body!

Dan entered this life July 25th, 1936 to become the proud son of James Leonard Cecil and Elizabeth McLeod Cecil who were waiting to welcome him to his eternal home. Also waiting to welcome him home were beloved nephew Pat Campbell, brother-in-law Earl Campbell, sister-in-law Marty Cecil, sister-in-law Faye Garrett, Mother-in-law and Father-in-law Elmer and Thelma Proctor. One of his best friends Bill Teal along with many wonderful Aunts Uncles and Cousins, all of whom he loved and adored.

When Dan entered this life found a loving, doting, protective big sister, and friend Bobbi Cecil (Campbell). As he grew another sibling would enter his life, his brother Larry Tice Cecil. He knew from a young age, not only did he have wonderful playmates and hunting buddies but wonderful loving siblings that would be lifelong friends!

Cindy Campbell, Mark Cecil, Laura (Dee)Cecil Rizos, Lisa (Chris)Rogers, Lori (Jeff)Hughes, Brooks (Crystal) Brock, Lucinda (Rick)Lee, Brannon (Jamie) Brock, Tee(Kristie) Garrett, Trent(Shannon) Garrett, and Tara Cribb are nieces and nephew he left behind that he loved and adored along with many great- nieces and nephews! He also left behind beloved sister-in-law and brother-in-law Jewel and Virgil Brock and Brother-in-law Tommy Garrett.

Dan loved the outdoors. He loved the freedom of being outside, no matter the temperature from the coldest to the hottest of days! He left many reminders of his life on this earth in the Wallburg community with the houses he built. He took great pride in his God given talent of building. One of his first jobs was driving a Coca Cola truck. After slowing down from building houses, he took to the road in 18 wheelers. He loved traveling whether it was working or with his family. He would say “you never work a day in your life if you love what you do!” He loved what he did to support his family!

He considered his most important job in his life by far was spending time and caring for his family! He never missed any activities his children or grandchildren were involved in. He was always there to cheer them on letting them know they were loved, and they were the greatest in his eyes! He loved spending time at the beach, swimming, playing in the ocean, collecting shells, floating in a lazy river, building sandcastles, playing putt putt and fishing. He loved hunting and fishing at the pond. He loved building snowmen and sledding with his children and grandchildren. He loved playing golf whether it was 18 holes, par 3 or putt-putt. He played sports all his life and loved being able to pitch and catch on his church softball team, taking pride that he could keep up with the young bucks on the team. He loved music especially old-time country music. His children knew that the radio station was never to be changed when they rode in the car or his truck. Dan could be found Sunday after church watching Nascar and cheering on his favorite drivers, with his favorite being Dale Earnhardt.

The thing Dan Cecil loved most in this life was his Heavenly Father, Holy Spirit and Savior Jesus Christ. He was a true spiritual leader of his family. He loved being able to be an active member of his church Shady Grove United Methodist Church. He loved substitute teaching in the” Young Adults” class and ushering during the 1100 service.

Dan Cecil loved life and God’s beautiful creation, from the sound of a mockingbird singing and him answering them back to the wind that blew through his windchimes to the many dogs that were in his life beginning with many beagles that would help hunt rabbit to his beloved Black and White dog Pooky! Dan Cecil will continue to be loved on this Earth and is being loved in his eternal realm! He will continue to love those he left behind looking forward one day to saying welcome home, I have missed you!

There will be a Celebration of Dan’s life Saturday February 20th where he will lie in state at 1pm, an hour before the service at 2pm at Shady Grove United Methodist Church, 167 Shady Grove Church Rd, Winston-Salem, NC. All are welcome. Covid 19 protocols will be in place.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the outpouring of Love shown them from Family, Friends and Neighbors during this difficult time.

The family would like to say THANK YOU to Hospice of the Piedmont for the love and support given to Dan and his family. Hospice nurses are Angels on this Earth! Holly, Tammy, Regina, Frankie, Michelle, Doris and the many other beautiful souls that helped make Dan’s last part of his life comfortable we are eternal grateful for you and your God given gift of comfort! You are truly among the best!   

The family request prayers for strength, peace and comfort! They would like in lieu of flowers any memorial to be made to Hospice of the Piedmont or Shady Grove United Methodist Church.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.