Elbert “Cecil” Keith, Sr.
Elbert “Cecil” Keith, Sr., 96, of Creedmoor, N.C. passed away Saturday, August 20, 2022 at his home.
Cecil was born in Wake County on February 15, 1926, to El and Vallie Keith. He was of the Baptist faith. He worked at John Umstead Hospital and was a supervisor at the Alcoholic Rehabilitation Center (ARC) in Butner. He continued to work after his retirement from the state as a substitute teacher for Granville County Schools for another twenty years.
Cecil enjoyed people. You could find him talking with family and friends, gardening collards and other vegetables, and working with his chickens.
A graveside service will be held Tuesday, August 23, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens, conducted by the Rev. Ray Gooch.
He is survived by his two daughters, Margaret “Agnes” Hobgood (Alvin) and Laura Keith of Creedmoor. He also leaves behind three grandchildren, Emily Chartier of Rhode Island, Adam Hobgood (Jamey) of Creedmoor, and Susan Randau (Ryan) of Henderson as well as six great grandchildren, Kayle Reid, Gracie Reid, Mason Hobgood, Ethan Chartier, Mackenzie Randau, and Jessie Randau. Additionally, he is survived by one brother, U.L. Keith of Durham. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Wheelous Keith, his son, Elbert Cecil Keith, Jr., his parents, El and Vallie Keith, six brothers, and six sisters.
There will be a public visitation at Eakes Funeral Home in Creedmoor on Monday, August 22, 2022 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. At other times the family will receive friends at Mr. Keith’s home.
You may access the graveside service by clicking on the following link:
Graveside Service: https://vimeo.com/743135551
20 Comments
Cecil was such a sweet man. I always enjoyed seeing and talking with him. His was indeed a life well lived. My deepest sympathy to each of his family. I know he will be missed.
My heart goes out to Agnes and Laura. Your dad was a very special man, you’re in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry to hear about Cecil. I know you all have many fond memories of him. He was a kind and caring sweet man. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Many good memories of visiting with Cecil and family at gatherings and Wheelous/O’Neal reunions.
He will be missed by many folks. My sincerest condolences and prayers for God’s grace as we
adjust to his passing. joanie currin (O’Neal/Delionbach cousin)
So sorry for ya’ll ‘s loss! While looking at photos above, Agnes looks just like her daddy. Remember visiting your grandparents home many times when I was growing up in Berea. Love to all of you. Cynthia Hobgood Crute
Agnes, Laura and Keith Family:
Gail and I were very saddened to hear about the loss of your dad and grandfather. We were blessed to have known and worked with him for many, many years. We often talked every week or two to catchup on community news and share some lots of humor and funny stories with him. Please know that you all will be in our thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks ahead.
With GOD’s BLESSING,
Love, Mike and Gail Turner
What a fantastic 2nd dad, I will never forget you.
Agnes and Laura …we are a
Sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers and thought will be with you during this time.
We were all so blessed to have Uncle Cecil in our lives.
Uncle Cecil you will be forever missed.
Thoughts and prayers for all family, friends and anyone who knew this sweet man! Emily holds a special place in our heart in R.I. So sorry for the loss in your family.
Uncle Cecil was a family patriarch – a giant of faith, wisdom, and virtue. Everyone has much to learn from how he lived and how he fellowshipped with and served others. His ability to bring people together was truly special. When informed of his passing, a flood of thoughts and emotion unfurled – memories of potlucks, running butterbeans through his sheller, brunswick stews from a big black caldron, whole hog barbeques, his big pots of chicken-n-dumplings, and the best collards you will ever find. But most of all, I was reminded of a God-fearing man who lived a simple yet extraordinary life that touched the lives of so many. I can see him now smiling and saying, “Y’all come back to Sandy Plains!” Thank you, Uncle Cecil for setting such a great example for us all.
So very sadden to hear of Cecil’s passing. Oh, the KEITH family history that he shared with his cousins. My mother (Ola Keith Ray) loved Cecil like a brother. The stories they shared and the many family gatherings at Uncle El’s and Aunt Valie’s over the years – those were some good old days. Cecil and Margaret were fine Christian folk and certainly lived a simple and loving life of fellowship with family and others. Cecil could light up any gathering with the kindness friendship. Thoughts and prayers for the immediate family.
Hobgood family Adam,sorry for your loss man thought the world of Cecil he was a good man funny too God had better plans for him,,, but I believe he ment to put those onions it that stew just for you
Cecil was a wonderful friend to my Mother, Helen Davenport. He kept in touch with her faithfully and understood the value of friendship and humor. He generously shared his wonderful collards along with his positive attitude. My sisters, MaryAnn Long, Beth Saunders, Melrose Cunningham and I send our heartfelt condolences to his family. Rest In Peace, Cecil.
Cecil, was a person from my early childhood and then again as an adult. He was a very special man with the kindest heart. He was one of the few people I know that remembered my dad as a young man. I know your family will be very sad for him to be gone but just remember that radiant smile and know how much he loved you all. Sending prayers for your hearts to have peace and just wonderful memories.
Agnes, I am very sorry to hear about your Dad’s death. I will always remember that one could always count on seeing a lot of cars at his home on Sundays. He really valued his family. My best wishes to you and all of your family.
I never met you but I feel like I have know you for years. I heard all about what such a good man you were from Rhonda Hicks. She loved you so very much. You will be missed by so many.
Agnes and Laura, Our times together growing up watching Cecil and Hazel put on pageants and parties are some of my favorite memories. And I always looked forward to visiting with you all when I came to NC. Cecil was one of Mama’s closest friends; I’m sure many folks feel that same way. His heart was boundless. I’m so sorry for your loss. Paulette
“Uncle Cecil” was a great man. I recall the many family gatherings we had in that basement at his house. I can still see him standing in front of the family and thanking everyone for coming out as a family and enjoying a good meal together. He will without a doubt be missed. I know he is up in heaven with Papa Keith once again.
Adam and Susan you have my condolences on the loss of your beloved grandfather. I remember him being one of my favorite substitute teachers in school. Prayers for you and the family.
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