Cecil Gene Crockett Sr.

Cecil Gene “Rocky” Crockett Sr., 67 of Columbus, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 24, 2021.

Cecil Gene Crockett Sr. was born in Beckley, West Virginia on May 12, 1953 to Arizona P. Crockett. He spoke often about growing up as a child in “Cold Creek” West Virginia surrounded by his best friends, his cousins David and Rick, learning to drive a car through the mountains and spending time with his beloved grandfather, Horace Greely.

While still in his formative years he moved to Columbus, Ohio with his family. He graduated from Mohawk High School, where he met his first wife, Deborah Raye Smith (Whiteside). They married, had three beautiful children, Cecily, Cecil (Jay), and Taira.

Cecil was a faithful member of the Original Glorious Church of God in Christ. A proud Marine who spoke fondly of his time in boot camp, and stationed in Okinawa, Japan. After being honorably discharged, he retired from Defense Supply Center, Columbus (DSCC), which has served in every major military engagement since World War I.

He later went on to marry Gloria D. Haley on October 14, 1994. And their loved flourished until he took his last breath.

His mother, Arizona was a huge part of his life. Cecil loved his family, his wife Gloria’s cooking, football, basketball, fishing “drowning worms”, reading, music, and a good western movie. He loved to laugh, and make others laugh.

Cecil was preceded by his loving mother, Arizona P. Crockett; his son, Cecil Gene “Jay” Crockett, Jr.; one aunt; three uncles; his grandmother, Ella Page Crockett; and his grandfather, Horace Greely.

Cecil will be deeply missed and survived by his wife, Gloria D. Crockett of 30 years; daughters, Cecily Nicole Crockett, Tiara Danielle Crockett; stepson, Keith Haley; aunt Claudine McMilan; cousins, David Crockett and James Richard “Rick” Crockett; granddaughters, Nia Nicole Vines, Zaria Simone Vines; grandson, Keith Junior; great granddaughter, Bella; great grandson, Sincere; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Private Visitation 9:00am and Private Funeral Service 10:00am Saturday, April 3, 2021 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave. (one block east of Noe Bixby, turn North on Lonsdale Rd.). Mask, Social Distancing and Tickets are required. Interment at Evergreen Burial Park.