Cecil Ezell Bennett, age 81, of Safford, Arizona went to be with the Lord on November 4, 2023. Cecil lived a full life filled with family and friends. Born on September 27, 1942, in Oakland, California, Cecil was the middle child born to Cecil Ezell Bennett Sr and Agnes Ledelle Keele, along with his older sister Barbara and younger sister Paula. When Cecil was young, his family moved to Safford, Arizona where he graduated high school. Cecil considered Safford to be his hometown.
Cecil worked hard all of his life. He started out working as a projector operator with his stepfather, Art Webster, at the Safford theater while he was in high school. Throughout his life, Cecil had many jobs including owning a Mobil gas station, as well as being a mechanic for Ford Automotive, a miner at Phelps Dodge, an expert journeyman contractor, and an all-around handyman. Cecil also built several houses and businesses in Safford as well as in Show Low and Phoenix, Arizona.
Cecil married his first wife, Lori Godfrey, in 1962. Cecil and Lori have two daughters together, Sharron and Lynn.
Cecil married his current wife, Jeannine Gauthier, in 1978, and inherited her two children from a previous marriage, Bill and Barbe.
Cecil made a friend wherever he went. He was always there to help those in need. If someone needed something fixed, Cecil would be right there with the tools needed ready for the job.
While Cecil sometimes had a rough exterior, he had the kindest heart. Cecil will be greatly missed by every heart he touched.
Cecil is survived by: his loving wife, Jeannine; his daughters, Sharron and Lynn; his grandchildren, Steven, Mindy, Megan, Anthony, Gena, Michael, Bryan, Ashley, and Sherranna; and by many great-grandchildren.
A memorial service for Cecil will be conducted Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at The River Community Church by Pastor David Chapman.
Online condolences may be offered at www.viningfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home
