Cecil Roe Williams

In loving memory of Cecil.

The phrase most often used to describe Cecil throughout every chapter of his life was, “Cecil is a character.” From his childhood in Mississippi, through his service overseas in the Air Force, to his years in Texas, and his retirement in Massachusetts, Cecil had a rare gift for forming genuine, joyful connections with every person he got to know. He moved through the world with curiosity, humor, and a real spark that made him unforgettable.

Creative pursuits were a lifelong source of meaning for him. He poured his creativity into becoming a self published author, a graceful ballroom dancer, an enthusiastic opera devotee, and an adventurous international traveler. Cecil was also a lifelong student of philosophy, especially objectivism, and he spent decades engaged with communities such as the Ayn Rand Institute, the North Texas Objectivist Society, and the Greater Boston Objectivist Club.

Family was a constant thread running through Cecil’s life cherishing his extended family from his Mississippi roots. He grew his family with his daughter Shannon and his son Mercury but some of his greatest pride came from the joy of being a grandfather to Emerson, Riley, and Olivia. For the past twenty plus years, his life partner, Lily, was his companion in every sense and his great love. Through Lily, he found another extended family who embraced him wholeheartedly, and he embraced them right back.

Cecil will be deeply missed, and we will carry forward the warmth, wit, and wonder he brought into our lives.

A gathering of friends and family for a Celebration of Life event will be held on Saturday, May 23rd from 11:00am to 1:00pm at his beloved Bay Pointe Waterfront Restaurant in Quincy, MA. Please RSVP by texting Mercury at 513 508 4102.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Cecil’s honor to the Ayn Rand Institute.