Cecil Sheffield

Cecil Neal Sheffield, 81, was born on October 23, 1944, and passed from this life on May 15, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Cecil, known to family and friends as “Smiley”, was a hardworking man who loved his family more than anything. He spent 60 wonderful years with the love of his life, Virginia Hayes Sheffield. Together they built a life full of love, faith, and simple moments that became treasured memories over the years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tommie and Lila Sheffield; brothers, James Sheffield and Earl Sheffield; sisters, Janice Goldman and Jean Beech; brothers-in-law Johnny Ray Goldman and Verne Beech; and sisters-in-law, Virginia Hayes and Lillian Jones.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Virginia Hayes Sheffield; sisters-in-law, Betty (Leo) Donald and Linda (Jimmy) Butts; brother-in-law, Charles Hayes; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who loved him dearly and will cherish his memory forever.

Cecil dedicated 39 years of service to the Vanity Fair Textile Factory. Through hard work and determination, he worked his way from the bottom to becoming a supervisor before retiring. Before his years at Vanity Fair, he worked in the homebuilding industry and for Washington County. He believed in hard work, providing for his family, and doing things the right way, and that’s exactly how he lived his life.

After retirement, Cecil and Virginia enjoyed traveling and camping with family and friends. They bought a camper and made countless memories together over the years. He especially loved when all the kids would come stay at the camp with them. Those times brought him so much joy and became memories his family will always hold close.

Cecil loved the outdoors and the simple things in life. He enjoyed woodworking, feeding the deer and turkeys in the yard, and sitting inside watching them through the window. One of his greatest joys was having the kids come fish with him at the pond and simply spending time together. It never took much to make Cecil happy; family, nature, and being surrounded by the people he loved was enough.

He was also a faithful member of Wesley Chapel Church, where he lived his life grounded in faith, kindness, and love for others.

Cecil will be remembered for his kind heart, strong work ethic, gentle spirit, and the love he had for his family. He was the kind of man who was always there when you needed him, and he leaves behind countless memories that will be treasured for years to come.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Stevens and his staff for the compassionate care and support they provided to Cecil throughout the years. They would also like to thank Southern Care Hospice for the kindness, comfort, and care shown during his final months.

Services will be Wednesday May 20, 2026, at Clearwater Assembly of God Church in Wagarville, Alabama. visitation at 1:00PM funeral is at 2:00PM Interment to follow at Wesley Chapel Cemetery in Bigbee, Alabama. 

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