Cecil Leonard Wallis

At the age of 92, Cecil went to heaven to be with his wife, Darlene, and the Good Lord. In the end, he fought a long battle with Alzheimer’s, which ended on February 12, 2023, while under the loving care of his niece, that was more like a daughter, Sherry Humphreys, and her wonderful husband, Don.

But, WHAT A LIFE HE LIVED!

Cecil valued education and ongoing learning. After graduating from Sutherland Springs High School in 1948, he went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Economics from the University of Nebraska in 1970 and a Master’s degree in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma in 1976.

His commitment and service to his family and friends was unsurpassed. As a husband, his love and devotion to Darlene for a marriage of over 59 years, was a true love story. As a father to Vernon, Cecil Jr., and Larry, he imparted his values and taught them how to work, hunt, fish, play the guitar and so much more. He also was like a father to Sherry Humphreys, who he brought into the family while she was still in her teens. For the rest of his family and friends, he was always there to help with work, entertainment, food, fellowship and storytelling. It was said that, if he and brother Bill weren’t as good of hunters, and his mom, Tommye, as good as she was at making squirrel stew, the family would have gone hungry on many occasions.

Professionally, Cecil excelled at everything. As a youth, he had miscellaneous jobs such as farm work, soda-jerk, newspaper-delivery, meter-reading and as member of several country and western bands and played with Chester Shubert, Larry Nolan and the San Antonio Playboys.

Afterwards, when Uncle Sam called his number, his accomplishments in the U.S. Army were vast – while in the enlisted ranks he worked his way to the rank of Sergeant in the infantry, becoming an Army Ranger and paratrooper while earning numerous service decorations and serving across the United States, Europe, Asia and Central and South America.

After becoming an officer in the Army, eventually advancing to the rank of Lt. Colonel, he had numerous exciting assignments, including appointments:

• Competing with the U.S. Pistol team, where he participated in the Pan American games and set 3 world records;

• leading the Army’s Jungle Operations Training School in Fort Sherman, Panama;

• serving on deployments to the Korean and Vietnam wars;

• leading training as Executive Officer the Army 82nd Airborne;

• leading executive foreign relationship role for the U.S. Embassy in the Republic of Panama and

• leading as Executive Officer in the 5th Army Public Affairs Division.

After the military, Cecil engaged in one pursuit after another –

• In retail, assisting with operations at the South Side pawnshop,

• As a farmer, working his ranch in Wilson County,

• As a real estate entrepreneur, buying, selling and renting properties, and

• As a teacher, for the Wyndom School District, Dominguez Detention Unit.

In masonry, he loved his involvement in Albert Pike Masonic Lodge, No. 1169 where he worked in various activities and offices including serving as Master of the Lodge in 1995 – 1996. He was also active and worked in various capacities in the Scottish Rite Valleys of Panama and San Antonio as well as with the Shriners, in the Abou Saad Shrine temple in Panama and the Alzafar Shrine temple in San Antonio.

Cecil was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Tommye, his siblings, Clifford Wallis, Alice Duke and Helen Mebane and his son, Cecil Wallis, Jr.

He is survived by his brothers, Bill and Ken Wallis, his sister, Joyce Rhoades, his sons Vernon and Larry Wallis, his niece that was more like a daughter, Sherry Humphreys, his grandchildren, Robert, Chris, Diana, Carly and Zoe, his great granddaughter, Serenity as well as numerous other nephews, nieces and cousins.

His celebration of life will be at Sunset Funeral Home, in San Antonio, Texas on February 25, 2023, and his interment will full military honors will be conducted at Fort Sam Houston Cemetery on March 10, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, we request donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.