Cecil Thomas Jernigan

Cecil was born to Beatrice Cecilia Sineath and John Thomas Jernigan in West End, NC on February 14, 1936. Due to the death of his Mother, he was raised by his Aunt Sally Russell in Ellerbe, NC. He is survived by one sister, Dorothy Ragan in Jacksonville, Florida. He graduated from Ellerbe High School in 1954.

Cecil is preceded in death by his loving wife of 47 years Betty Ann Bailey Jernigan. The couple is survived by their three daughters, Debra Ann Warwick of Wilmington, NC, Cathy H. McClanahan and husband Brad of Wilmington, NC, and Susan Lynne Krause and husband Dennis of Clayton, NC, his grandchildren, Melody Dickerson, April Barrow, Brad McClanahan Jr., Jason Krause, Heather Masters, Ashley Krause, and his six great-grandchildren.

In his early years Cecil served four years in the US Navy. He later became an accomplished electrical engineer for Henry Von Oesen and Associates until retirement. He was passionate about Ham Radio and was involved in many clubs including MARS Ham Radio. Cecil and his wife Betty enjoyed square dancing together for the Port City Mavericks. He was an active and dedicated member of Pearsall Memorial Presbyterian Church. He never met a stranger and always had a joke to share.

A visitation is scheduled for Thursday, April 14, 2016 at Andrew’s Market Street Chapel 1617 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401 from 6 PM to 7 PM. A service will be held on Friday, April 15, 2016 at Andrew’s Market Street Chapel at 2 PM followed by a private graveside service for the family.

Flowers are welcome; any memorials can be made to Alzheimer's Association Eastern North Carolina Chapter 3739 National Drive, Suite 110 Raleigh, NC 27612 or Pearsall Memorial Presbyterian Church 3902 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28403. The family encourages condolences/stories to be shared on Legacy.com.

Wishing you 88’s and 73’s. WA4PPC is signing off.