Cecil Wood Puckett, age 89 of Kingsport, passed away on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at Preston Place Suites in Kingsport. He was born in Kingsport, Tennessee on June 24, 1928 to the late Mr. & Mrs. George W. Puckett. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen Carter Puckett, and his daughter, Kathy Puckett.

Cecil was widely known throughout East Tennessee and was best known as an athlete and football coach. Cecil was regarded by many as one of the best and most versatile athletes to ever attend Dobyns-Bennett High School. He was co-captain of the football team, made All-State, All-Southern and was a member of the 1945 team which won The State Championship. Cecil was also captain and high scorer on the basketball team and in the mid Forties was voted The Outstanding Player in The State Basketball Tournament, in which Dobyns-Bennett won The State Championship. Cecil was also outstanding in baseball and track. He broke the school's record in the javelin throw. He earned the nickname "Chief" and was later inducted into the Dobyns-Bennett Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the Kingsport City Schools Hall of Fame in 2016.

Cecil attended East Tennessee State and the University of Mississippi, where he earned both his Bachelors and Masters Degrees. During his college career he continued to excel in basketball, baseball and football. He proudly served in the United States Army for two years at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. In his professional life he spent most of his career serving in the Kingsport Public School System as a physical education teacher, football coach and Assistant Principal in charge of activities for Dobyns-Bennett High School. Throughout his life he was devoted to Dobyns-Bennett High School and the students, athletes, coaches and other school personnel.

Cecil leaves behind to honor his legacy his son, Lawrence Puckett and wife Carolyn of Springfield, Virginia; grandson: Matthew Puckett of Virginia; brother: John Puckett of Auburn, Alabama; nephews: Benjamin Puckett and wife Regina of Spanish Fort, Alabama and John Puckett, Jr. and wife Lynn of Lake Martin, Alabama; niece: Virginia Russell and husband John of Pratville, Alabama and several great-nephews and nieces.

The Puckett Family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the entire family of Mr. & Mrs. Roy Cloud, Jr., and the nurses and other personnel at Preston Place Suites for their care and concern for Cecil.