Cecil Boatner was born in Jamestown, Texas, to Stanford Sr. and Etta Sells Boatner on September 23, 1927. Cecil attended Jamestown High School and met his wife, Ruby Holmes also of Jamestown, Texas.

Cecil and Ruby married in 1948 and made Jasper, Texas their home and to them five children were born: Margaret (Jimmie) Beatty of Jasper, Texas, Morris Boatner, Sr. (Hazel), of Missouri City, Texas, Glenda (Michael) Mitchell of Missouri City, Texas, Carlton (Betty) Boatner of Jasper, Texas, and Cecil Ray Boatner of Jasper, Texas.

Cecil and Ruby were members of Mt. Olive Baptist Church. Cecil was a United States Army Veteran who served honorably. He worked at Philan Wholesale, Red Ball Trucking and Owen's Illinois until retirement.

Cecil, affectionally known as CeCe, was preceded in death by his parents and his 12 siblings, Robert Boatner (Toad), Onnie B. Adams, Maxine Kyles (Women), Leroy Boatner (Shack), Walterine Kyles, Helen Ward, Theria Cade (Spain), Stanford Boatner, Jr. (Dudee), Dorothy Fowler (Dot), Trudie Boatner, Ruby Washington, and LM Boatner. CeCe was also preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Ruby Lee Boatner in 2004 and his daughterin-law, LaDora Coleman. CeCe was a cherished grandfather to 10 grandchildren: Latonia Beatty, Morris (Angela) Boatner Jr., Patrick Boatner (Meg), Mariah Boatner, Kecia Mitchell, Michael Jermaine (Shawna) Mitchell, Tenika Boatner, Farshanda (Jason) Williams, Gerren (Zachary) Boatner, and Taylor Coleman.

CeCe has 10 great-grandchildren: Lorenzo, Brittany, Brianna (Jesus), Ashton, Sophia, Belle, Joshua, Aurielle, Giselle, Tkiia, Mkeea, Kheeley, London, Joyciline, and a great-great grandson, Kairo Quincy.

CeCe also had a wonderful friendship of many years with Horace Ray Bartee and Robert Kyles! You could always find the two of them outside on the front porch or patio!

CeCe will also be missed by a host of other family, friends, and his community!