Genell Reynolds with WKYC Studios in Clevand, Ohio, tells of Cecil Williams, a scout who recently celebrated his 106 birthday.
Below is a synopsis of that story..
Cecil Williams, a dedicated Scoutmaster, celebrated his 106th birthday with family in Confidence, Illinois. Born on May 18, 1918, Cecil’s early life on a farm instilled in him a love for the outdoors and an active lifestyle, including hunting and beekeeping.
In 1941, Cecil joined the Army and served five years following the Pearl Harbor attack. He married Edith during World War II, and they raised three children in Vandalia, Illinois, where Cecil worked for Texaco Oil.
Ronnie, Cecil’s son, recalls his father as a wonderful dad and role model, especially in his role as Scoutmaster. Cecil embodied the core Scout values: trustworthiness, helpfulness, friendliness, courtesy, kindness, obedience, cheerfulness, thriftiness, and reverence. He left a lasting impact on hundreds of Scouts, teaching unique skills like Imu cooking.
Cecil retired at 62 and continued to lead an active life, dancing until he was 101. Despite a diagnosis of acute spinal stenosis, he enjoys Sudoku puzzles in a memory care facility. His greatest joy remains his family, including eight grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. The Williams family feels incredibly fortunate to celebrate Cecil’s life, marked by his dedication to Scouting and his enduring legacy as a beloved Scoutmaster and father.