Cecil Gray Gillikin, Sr.

Cecil Gray Gillikin, Sr., 76, of Bettie, entered his eternal home on Saturday, October 17, 2015 surrounded by his family at his home.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at 3:00 pm at Glad Tidings Pentecostal Holiness Church with Rev. Tim Marriner officiating. A graveside service will be held at Carteret Memorial Gardens in Beaufort, for the immediate family.

Cecil was born June 1, 1939 to Guy C. and Josephine Gillikin of Bettie. Cecil was retired from civil service at Cherry Point and was a gold plate employee. He was the owner of Cecil’s Welding and made over 2000 stainless steel clam rakes which were sold across the United States. He also made utility trailers. He loved to be on or near the water and cherished his times with his family at “Bell’s Reef”. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He loved his family and always put them and his church first. He loved his grandchildren dearly and had a special relationship with his granddaughter, Kathryn who was his “sidekick”.

Cecil is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Rosalie Pittman Gillikin; his children, Cecil Gray Gillikin, Jr. and wife Diane, Belinda Milton and husband Mike, and Rodney Gillikin and wife Veronica; sisters, Janet Cannon and Eleanor Gillikin of Bettie; four grandchildren (his pride and joy), Guy Lupton, Nicholas Gillikin, Kathryn Lupton and Hunter Gillikin; also many nieces and nephews.

Cecil was preceded in death by his parents, Guy C. and Josphine Gillikin; brothers, Stanley W. Gillikin, and Guy C. Gillikin.

The family will receive friends 1:00 - 3:00 pm prior to the service at Glad Tidings Church.

Cecil always loved flowers and gardening, so flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in his memory, 332 N. Lauderdale St, Memphis, TN 38105.