He was born in Equality Illinois in 1937 to Carl and Velma Wiltshire. Cecil graduated from Southern Illinois University.
Cecil met the love of his life, Gretchen in 1958 at GE Aircraft Nuclear Propulsion Company in Cincinnati. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married April 18, 1959. They began an amazing life together, moving to Florida in 1960.
Cecil and Gretchen couldn’t wait to start a family of their own, and their children meant the world to them. Sheri and Laura came into their lives. As a proud Dad, Cecil led St Pat’s Fun Fair, Parent’s Club and supported CCC in the Dad’s Club.
Cecil’s favorite role was that as a grandparent. He treasured his time with Sierra and Seth and loved being their Papa, enjoying karate, music, train shows, and school activities. Papa was always ready to take them on lawnmower rides, feed the fish and taught them the ins and outs of a great cornhole game!
Cecil enjoyed a 36-year career supporting our nation for the US Dept of Energy at GE/Lockheed as a Quality Systems Manager.
Cecil enjoyed boating and waterskiing year-round, even in the cold and ice in Cincinnati. After retirement, he was the ultimate handyman, including building and painting birdhouses. Armed with glue and a screw gun, Cecil could build and fix anything! Cecil and Gretchen traveled the US and Europe, including visiting his namesake Wiltshire County in England and Oktoberfest in Munich.
Cecil is survived by his loving wife of 65 years Gretchen, daughters Sheri Wiltshire Straw (David) and Laura Lee Easom (Ed), and two loving grandchildren Sierra and Seth Easom.
A Funeral Mass will take place on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 10:30 am at Espiritu Santo Catholic Church, located at 2405 Philippe Pkwy, Safety Harbor. The family will receive friends starting at 10am for a viewing.
Military honors will take place directly following the Mass at church.
Interment will be private.
Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life following the Mass at Gull Aire Community Center, located at 151B Gull Aire Blvd, Oldsmar FL.
The family sincerely thanks the teams at Westchester Gardens, Golden Senior Private Care and Suncoast Hospice for their compassionate care of Cecil and our family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Suncoast Hospice (suncoasthospicefoundation.org/ways-to-give/) or Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).
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