Cecil J. Smith

Cecil J. Smith, 92, of Willcox, Arizona passed away April 11, 2013 in Tucson. He was born in Ray, Arizona on January 11, 1921 to Sylvia Catherine and Wilfred C. Smith. Cecil was a lifelong Arizona resident and loved southern Arizona. He lived 59 years in Willcox. Cecil graduated from Prescott High School and started his career with the Bell System. Shortly thereafter, he volunteered to join the US Army. He served in the US Army during World War II and fought in Europe for 14 months, starting with the 3rd Army, 5th Armored Division, 145th Signal Company. He fought in Normandy, France and then Germany. He was wounded in France where he was awarded a Purple Heart. He continued to serve in the 9th Army Division in Belgium until the war ended. He met his loving wife Charlene McMinn in Bisbee, Arizona on the Bell System picket line. They were married on August 31, 1947 in Bisbee. Together they shared a passion for life, family and friends. Cecil dedicated his career to the Bell System, starting as a lineman. Through hard work and dedication he became the District Manager of Southern Arizona and was known as the “Telephone Man”. Additionally, he was a member of the Telephone Pioneers’ President’s Circle. He retired with 38 years of service when he and his wife Charlene, began full time travel around the world playing golf and meeting new friends. Cecil spent his life dedicated to his family and the community. He was a member of both the Rotary and Elk’s Clubs. He was instrumental in organizing the first Girl Scouts of America troop in Willcox and planned and sponsored trips to National Parks enriching the lives of many. Survivors include his daughters Dixie (Darell) Christensen of Phoenix, and Janell (Peter) Helman of Hillsborough, NJ along with 5 grandchildren: Rick Helman, Mark (Caroline) Helman, Michele (Tracy) Day, Janine (Brandin) Beck and Kevin (Melissa) Christensen and 14 great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death was his wife of 57 years Charlene McMinn Smith, his parents, his brother Walton (Grace) Smith and sister Mae (George) Denham. The Celebration of his Life will be held on Friday, April 19 at 2 p.m., at Westlawn Chapel in Willcox, Arizona. Immediately following the service, a luncheon and reception will be held at the Elk’s Club. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Willcox Unified School District for the Golf Team (480 N. Bisbee Ave., Willcox, AZ 85643) or the Northern Cochise Community Hospital Foundation (901 Rex Allen Dr., Willcox, AZ 85643) in memory of Cecil J. Smith. .

Cecil J. Smith

January 11, 1921 - April 11, 2013