Cecil Preas, age 72, passed away September 5, 2017. He was born November 25, 1944 in Coleman, TX to Luberta and Curtis Preas. He was one of ten children and resided in Silver Valley, TX. He attended school and graduated from Novice High in Novice, Texas. Cecil served in the United States Army as a military police officer with his sentry dog, Kizer, at his side.Cecil met, the love of his life, Cynthia Smedley on a blind date in Odessa, TX while living with family and working in the oil patch. After his time of service in the military, he married Cynthia on April 15, 1967. He attended and graduated from Texas Tech University in 1971, and was proud to be an alumni, as well as loving Red Raider football. Many wonderful stories emerged from these years of early marriage living in Lubbock. From rolling quarters for fun money to spending Thanksgiving at a pancake house, they made the best out of what they had and learned many life lessons together along the way.Shortly after graduation they moved to Odessa. Cecil began his career in the oil industry and had the first of two daughters. He adored all three of his girls and was dedicated in providing, loving, and nurturing his family. From 1979 to 1983 Cecil was a partner at B&H Construction in Eunice, NM. In 1983 he would make his last family move to Midland and worked for Lock Construction. Cecil rode out the notorious cycle of boom and bust in the oil industry and was a committed employee. Later in his career he seized an opportunity to become a partner at WLP Holdings and worked tirelessly until his retirement in 2012.One of Cecil’s greatest joys was becoming a grandfather. He enjoyed spending his time with his family as well as traveling around the world with Cynthia. He served on the Vestry as a Senior Warden at St. Nicholas Episcopal Church and had deep regard for his church family and being of service as a member. He was a volunteer at the Jubilee Center as well as serving on the board of The Springboard Center. He was a devoted mentor of countless people in a community, in which he belonged for 35 years, that places principles before personalities. In Cecil’s lifetime he personified wisdom, kindness, and was truly a reflection of Christ. Cecil was a quiet thoughtful man, with razor sharp wit, that imparted his experience, strength, and hope to any and all that were in need and called him family or friend.He was preceded in death by both his parents as well as his eldest daughter, Heather Rogers. His survivors include his wife of fifty years Cynthia Preas; his youngest daughter Holly Padilla; three sons-in –law, Alex Padilla of Midland, Jeff Beal of Andrews, and Kendal Rogers of Bartlesville, OK; along with his adored four grandchildren, Graden Preas Beal, Maizy Mozelle Beal, Jacob Sebastian Padilla, all of Midland, and Hayden Lane Rogers of Bartlesville, OK.Visitation and celebration of a life well lived will be Friday September 8, 2017 at the Branch at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Services are to be held at St. Nicholas Episcopal Church Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 2:00 pm.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.,
