REIDSVILLE - It is with deep sorrow and abiding love that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, Cecil H. Marcellus III, who departed this life on May 30, 2025, at the age of 77.

Public viewing will begin on Sunday, June 8, 2025 from 12 until 7 p.m. at McLaurin-Harris Memorial Chapel, 721 East Morehead Street, Reidsville, NC. The wake will be held from 5 until 6 p.m.

Funeral services will be held Monday, June 9, 2025 at 11 a.m. from the St. Paul United Methodist Church, 1004 W. Harrison Street, Reidsville, NC. Pastor Gregory Lee will preside and Pastor Paul N. Milton, eulogist.

Interment with military honors performed by the US Army Honor Guard will follow in Salisbury National Cemetery, Salisbury, NC.

In lieu of flowers,  the family is requesting donations be made to the the American Cancer Society or the Veterans Life Center of North Carolina.

Cecil was born on March 21, 1948, in Nashville, Tennessee, to the late Cecil Harvey Marcellus Jr. and Josephine A. Tipton Marcellus. He was the second of five children: Nettie Vivian Marcellus James (Albert), Clarence A.L. Marcellus (Johnetta), Marcus A. Marcellus (Tammy Haynie, special friend) and the late Judith Marcellus Dixon Peoples.

Growing up Cecil attended Braden United Methodist Church in Nashville, TN, where his father was the pastor. He attended Meigs High school in Decatur, TN and played football and basketball. After moving to North Carolina, Cecil continued his education at Rockingham Community College and earned an Associate degree. Later he  transferred to North Carolina A&T State University and earned a Bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education and a minor in History. Cecil also attended St. Paul United Methodist Church in Reidsville, NC and sang in the Gospel Choir.

Cecil's professional life reflected his dedication to service, community and country. He served honorably in the United States Army (was in the 82nd ABN Corps) and the Army Reserve. He taught at Lincoln Middle School in Greensboro, NC and was employed by the U.S. Post Office. He was the founder of Marcellus Janitorial Services, LLC, where he brought integrity and care to his work every day.

Outside of work, Cecil embraced life with quiet joy. He loved fishing with his buddies, going to the movies (especially for the popcorn!), traveling and cruising. He found true happiness in time spent with family and friends, and was never one to turn down chocolate cake, chocolate pecan pie, or chocolate ice cream—his favorite treats.

Cecil leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and dedication. He is survived by his devoted wife, Betty P. Marcellus, and their cherished children, Samantheo Marcellus and Justin Marcellus; step-mother, Etta Marcellus; step-sister, Larae McLean; step-brother, Wentor Burton.

He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives he touched deeply.

Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in the gift of his life. Cecil's gentle spirit, steadfast love, and warm presence will live on in each of us.

"Well done, good and faithful servant..."

– Matthew 25:23

"In times of trial and challenge, in times of grief and loss, we are called to lift our eyes to

God for He is our help; our hope and our strength."

-Psalms 121

Service by McLaurin-Harris