Cecil William Smith left this world on April 21, 2017.
A native of Soddy Daisy, he was born on May 28, 1939. Cecil was the son of Charlie and Gertie Smith. He graduated from Soddy Daisy High School in 1957.
He proudly served his country as an Airman in the United States Navy and served in Vietnam. He received the Navy Unit Commendation Award and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.
Cecil was a Millwright by trade. His employer of 25 years until he retired was Lloyd W. Aubry Company in Hayward, California. Robert J. Butler, president and CEO said the following about Cecil, “...he was the preeminent superintendent throughout his career with Aubry and the singular most respected, knowledgeable, successful and expert of all Millwrights providing supervision and project management service”.
He had two daughters whom he loved very much, Candice Heaton and Bylinda Bell. He always wanted a boy and was blessed to have three grandsons, Connor Nelson, William Nelson, and Christian Heaton.
Over the last 10 years, his dedicated, loyal, and most trusted companion, Little Bit, was always by his side. They enjoyed riding around town, feeding the deer and birds, and finding squirrels for Little Bit to chase.
Cecil was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Gertie Smith, his sister-in-law Gertie Smith, his brother Chester Smith, his brother-in-law Clyde Skiles, his sister Brenda Smith, his nephew Edward Skiles, and his great nephew Brian Dodd.
He is survived by his sister Wanda Skiles, his daughters, Candice (Jason) Heaton and Bylinda (James) Bell, grandsons, Connor Nelson, William Nelson, and Christian Heaton, his two uncles Chester (Margie) Smith, and Easchol (Frances) Smith, several cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family.
Cecil had the utmost respect and confidence in his doctor. The family wishes to thank Ronald Jarl M.D. for his treatment and continued care of Cecil.
The funeral service will be conducted at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 30, with The Reverend Jocelyn J. Bell officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service at 2 p.m. at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 848 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 1, at Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Cecil felt strongly about not having flowers at his funeral and requested that memorial contributions instead be made to St. Joseph’s Indian School for the Lakota Indian Children, 1301 North Main Street, Chamberlain, SD 57325.
Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home.