Cecil Lee Smith

Cecil Lee Smith, 84, of Zion, passed away Wednesday, February 14 2024.

Born in 1939 to Hallet and Minnie Virginia Smith in Paris, Tennessee, Cecil served in the United States Air Force after graduation.  His upbringing and service instilled an "old-school" spirit in him that he kept throughout his life.  After his service, Cecil began a career in nautical mechanics assembly, where he developed a taste for tinkering.  A hard worker, he was often found in his garage working wood or wrenching on his jeep or truck.  On the rare occasion he didn't have a tool in his hand, it was often replaced with a PBR as he kicked back to watch his beloved 49ers play at a local watering hole.  Despite gaining the moniker "grumpy," he was a dependably social man and often brought his family and his friends together for a good time.

In addition to his parents, Cecil is preceded in death by the love of his life, his late wife Phyllis.  They are also joined by his brothers Hallet Smith Jr, John (Linda) Smith, and Gregory (Michelle) Smith; his sister Judith (Timothy) Upchurch; and his granddaughter Crystal Hayes.  He is survived by five siblings: Larry Smith, Janice (Charles) Ranta, Garvin (Bobbie) Smith, Michael Smith, and Margo (Joseph) Payette.  He also leaves behind his step-daughter Pamela Kneeland, his grandson Randy Kneeland, and many nieces and nephews.

A time to share stories and say farewell will be held on Tuesday, February 20, at 2pm at Warren Funeral Home, 1475 N Cemetery Rd, Gurnee, IL, 60031.  A private interment will follow at a later date.