Cecil Thomas Williams, Sr., age 93, of Wilson, peacefully passed away Monday, February 12, 2024. He was married to the love of his life, Bertine Harris Williams, for 67 years.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, February 15 at 1:00 PM at the Williams Family Cemetery, 3729 Bend of the River Road, Elm City, with visitation immediately following. 

A graduate of Charles L. Coon High School, Cecil Sr. was an outstanding farmer and business leader. As co-owners of Rainbow Farms, Ltd. with his wife, Bertine, they grew sweet potatoes, cucumbers, and tobacco. Cecil Sr. loved his church, New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, and especially enjoyed his Sunday School class. He served as New Hope Elementary School's PTO co-chair with Bertine when their children were younger. He also served on the Silver Lake Fire Department Board of Directors and was involved in many agricultural organizations throughout his lifetime. Cecil Sr. also proudly served his country in the US Army.

Ever the gentleman, Cecil Sr. was a man of few words with an innovative mind and quest for knowledge. He loved reading, especially his morning newspapers. He spent more time thinking than talking and many hours passing his knowledge to his children and grandchildren. When needing advice, he provided a wealth of wisdom, understanding, and patience. He was relied upon for his steady, even-minded approach for guidance and decision making.

A man of integrity, his kindness and influence on those he knew, especially his family, will always be treasured. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his daughters, Sandra Pope (Jim) of Elm City and Cynthia Williams of Rocky Mount; sons, Cecil T. Williams, Jr. (Helen) of Elm City and David Williams (Linda) of Rocky Mount; grandchildren, Cecil T. Williams III (Kelly), Mark Williams (Allison), Kelly Reason (Josh), and Kasey Keel (Taylor); great-grandchildren, Cecil "Thomas" Williams IV, Annabel Williams, Morgan Williams, Maxton Williams, Sadie Reason, Shepherd Reason, and Bryson Keel; special sister-in-law, Gladys Williams; and many nieces and nephews.

Cecil Sr. was preceded in death by his wife, Bertine Harris Williams; infant daughter, Peggy Sue Williams; parents, Richard Raymond and Lee Parker Williams; and sisters, Lizzie Williams, Betty Vick, Annie Belle Benson, Louise Wheeless, and Pauline Ferrell.