Cecil Ray Burnett's Obituary
Cecil Burnett was so proud to say he lived within miles of his birth. He came into my life, broken, an old Man Dreaming. On Nov. 18/2025 he exited the same, broken and an old Man dreaming. three light exhales & he was present with the Lrd an old man dreaming/winning To say Cecil lived a full life would be such an understatement. His little sister, Vera Jo Strictland & husband Buck remained an active part of one another's life til the end. He and Vera Jo have both shared the loss of their parents, Idell (Cole) Cecil R. Burnett Sr. and big brothers Leon and Donald, as well as their spouse's. (Hazel and Cecil shared a very special bond. Rooted by unconditional love of his brother). They also know the pain of losing a child. A loss that forever changed Cecil. His first wife was his first love. Together their union created four beautiful children, a portrait photographers dream. Stairsteps of cuteness. As time passed, his admiration & respect for Marion only grew and grew To the point he would write ABCD on the memo line or on the back of a card, any correspondence. Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Their first child was a baby boy. Cecil Ray Burnett 111, quickly followed three little girls, Ruthie, Sandy and Laura. Cecil would be first to brag on their successes and call for back up prayers when times were rocky. Their legacy has grown from four children to 9 Grandchildren and 11 Greatgrandchildren. Did i mention he lived a very full life? Cecil raced dragsters, flew planes and chased pretty girls and LOVED to watch the dogs race. He wed his second wife, Bonnie. Together they shared many of the same loves, one in particular ~ DOG'S. One of their pups actually has a book published. check back Thanksgiving day for more this gets "Jimmy" to Cecil to the third stage, me. wife number three Cecil had me on a pedestal so high I had no choice ~ fall or fail ~ ~ I am grateful for Tidewell Hospice & that his stay was somewhat brief. Cecil loved a good party and when we had to face the inevitable, I asked if he wanted to hold a celebration of life while he was here...he declined. He left instructions with the exception of a service/ memorial, he left it up to the majority rules. The holiday season is already in gear & so many of our friends up in years, With children & grands, multiple nieces and nephews with their own obligations, friends traveling, we will not be doing a public celebration of life at this time. We do wish to hear any memories or stories or even a photo that you'd like to share. i kept trying to trim the obituary and let's just say "some technical difficulties." Without a traditional service and chance to see friends and relatives: perhaps this can be a cyber service. i will condense my own condolences to those that loved C and be posting them here on Thanksgiving Day. Life is a vapor ~ don't blow it! Share it!
What’s your fondest memory of Cecil?
What’s a lesson you learned from Cecil?
Share a story where Cecil's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Cecil you’ll never forget.
How did Cecil make you smile?