WILMINGTON — Kenneth G. Cecil, a devoted friend, proud veteran, and esteemed member of the Masonic community, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2026, in Wilmington, NC, at the age of 86. Born on October 25, 1939, in Davidson County, NC, Ken lived a life marked by generosity, dedication, and service.
Ken was a retired professional mechanic and the proud owner and operator of the Truck Service Center in Thomasville, NC until his retirement. His career was marked by hard work and dedication, earning him the respect and admiration of his community and colleagues alike.
A proud veteran, Ken served his country as a member of the NC National Guard. His commitment to service continued beyond his military career through his active involvement in the Masonic community. Ken was a Proud Mason and a valued member of Wilmington Lodge #319 A.F. & A.M. His Masonic Journey was started late in his life in 2009. He was a Mason for 17 years. He was also a member of the Sudan Shriners, Wilmington Shrine Club, and the Sudan Shriners Choo-Choo parade unit. He was a cherished member of the famous Monkey Junction Bojangles Breakfast Club, where he shared many mornings filled with camaraderie and friendship.
Ken was preceded in death by his loving parents, Clarence M. (Jack) Cecil and Lillian Crisco Cecil; his beloved wives, Juanita Trivette Cecil and Marjorie Cecil; four brothers, William Clarence (Bill) Cecil, Joseph Donald Cecil, Harold D. (Dick) Cecil, and Robert Floyd Cecil; two sisters, Rebecca Jean Cecil and Nancy Joann Cecil Ensley; and three nephews, Reggie Cecil, Randy Cecil, and Steve Ensley.
He is survived by two sisters, Judy Cecil Nicks of High Point, NC, and Kathy Cecil Copple (Ron) of Denton, NC; sister-in-law Linda Hopkins Cecil of Loudon, TN; along with many loving nieces and nephews. Ken is also survived by his special friend of 18 years, Joan Davis, and a very special friend and neighbor, Jackie Blanchard, as well as numerous Masonic and Shrine brothers whom he loved dearly.
Join family and friends on Friday March 27 starting at 1 pm till the service hour.
Funeral services to honor Ken’s life will be held at 2 pm on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Wilmington Funeral Chapel. The service will be led by his nephew, Rev. Matthew Copple, with Masonic Funeral Honors conducted by Wilmington Lodge #319 A.F. & A.M. His burial will be private at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to the Masonic Home for Children in Oxford, NC, or Shriners Children’s Hospitals, honoring Ken’s lifelong commitment to helping others.
Ken will be fondly remembered for his generous spirit, unwavering loyalty, and the countless lives he touched with his kindness and dedication.
