Cecil T. Williams, who recently turned 106, of Vandalia, Illinois, passed away at 6:35 AM, Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at Collinsville Villas of Holly Brook.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, June 03, 2024 at Hohlt & File Funeral Home, Vandalia with Rev. Robert Francisco officiating. Interment will follow at Fairlawn Cemetery, Vandalia with Military Honors accorded by Brownstown V.F.W. Post #9770. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:00-11:00 AM, Monday, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to the Vandalia Lions Club. Online condolences can be expressed at www.hohltandfilefh.com.
Mr. Williams was born on May 18, 1918, in the hamlet of Confidence, 4 miles south of Brownstown, IL, the son of Colby T. and Mary (Lash) Williams. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Dorothy June (Oglesby) Williams, who died in 2003; he was also preceded by his parents; brother, James Williams; and sister, Cleo Westphal
He is survived by his 3 children, Ronnie (Pam) of Homewood, IL, Charles (Suzanne) of Collinsville, IL and Patricia (Richard) of Colorado Springs, CO. Of those children, he was blessed with 8 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. In addition to his children and grandchildren, he is survived by extended family and countless friends.
Cecil was a proud Veteran, having served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1941-1945, during WWII. Following his service, for more than 35 years, he worked in the oil field for the Texas Oil Company.
Cecil was involved in Scouting for more than 20 years and was also active with the Vandalia Lions Club for 40 years, the Crawford-Hale American Legion Post #95 for 60 years, and was a charter member of the Brownstown V.F.W. #9770.
Mr. Williams was an avid hunter until age 90. Those who had occasion to enjoy the field with him knew him as a gifted, loving dog handler. Other hobbies included bee keeping, which he did until age 92 and dancing, which he did until age 101. For 16 of those years, he was accompanied by his dear friend, Betty Sanders of Patoka, Il.
As it was said of his maternal grandfather, Wilson S. Lash, of Loogootee, it may be also said of Cecil Williams, “He maintained his natural faculties to a marvelous degree considering his age. He was proud of his children and their families. A gifted conversationalist who kept us well posted on current events as well as history of years gone by.”
Cecil T. Williams will be missed by many.
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