Cecil Williams Jr. passed away surrounded by his family March 12, 2021.
He was born Aug. 13, 1938, at Tuscola, Illinois, to the late Cecil and Margaret (Biggs) Williams. The family moved to a farm near Marshall in the early 1950’s.
Cecil attended Marshall High School, where he met his wife. On Dec. 6, 1953, he married Beverly Jean Phelps. Together they had six children, two of which died as infants, Debra Lynn and Roxanne Williams.
Cecil was a weapons specialist in the Indiana National Guard. He took his training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He was a former member of the Waveland Lions Club, a Trophy Lifetime Member of NRA and also NAHC, North American Licensed ASA Umpire for 12 years, Licensed Pony League Umpire for 15 years, and also a referee for basketball, softball and football. He played baseball and softball for many different teams over the years, winning many trophies, one of which was with Bud Brown on the Rockville team, winning the championship and county tournament. The trophy won was displayed in the local bank window for many years. Cecil also enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends whenever possible.
He is survived by his wife; four children, Gale A. (Chris) Williams, Rodney D. (Lori) Williams, Jeffrey L. (Sharon) Williams and Patricia L. (Cole) Sherman; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two daughters; his parents; a grandson; two brothers, Robert A. and Donald C. Williams; and two sisters, Janet L. Kates and Mildred L. Miles.
Donations in Cecil’s memory may be made to the American Diabetic Association, and the American Heart Association. A celebration of life service will be at 11a.m. Saturday, April 24 at Waveland Christians in Action, 212 W. Main St., Waveland, with Pastor Rodney Coffman officiating. Cecil will be laid to rest by his family in Bethany Cemetery. Machledt & Servies Funeral Home has been entrusted with Cecil’s funeral arrangements.
You are invited to visit www.machledtservies.com where you may leave an online condolence for the family.
