Cecil Stice , Sr.

Cecil Ray Stice, Sr., 89, went home to be with his Lord on January 2, 2021. He passed away at home peacefully in his sleep after an extended illness. Previously of Sawyer, MI, he had been living in Tucson, AZ since May, 2017.

He was born on December 28, 1931 in Poughkeepsie, Arkansas, to George Asbury Stice, Sr., and Oleefie Carolyn Freeman Stice. In March of 1949, Cecil joined the Naval Reserves, headquartered at Great Lakes, Illinois. From June 11-25 he served on the USS Brambling (AMS-42). He received an Honorable Discharge in Jan 1953. Cecil was Senior Class President of and graduated from Baroda, Michigan, High School; Class of 1950. He married Clairbell Korp on July 22, 1951, and together raised four children. They remained married for 67 years and 8 ½ months.

Cecil, (nicknamed “Hoss”) served as a premier Tool and Die and Mold Maker in Berrien County, MI for 50 years, retiring in 1999. Many men in that industry were taught by Cecil through a Tool and Die and Mold making program he helped to develop at Lake Michigan College. Cecil
developed and taught the Master Class for their final year. Music was an abiding passion for Cecil. For many years he sang and played guitar in groups with several friends; including Donny Schlipp (accordian) and Milan Meade (drums) as “The Melodiers”. Cecil sang lead vocal with his beautiful tenor voice. Cecil wrote the lyrics and music to several gospel songs. He and Clair,
and Marvin Schinske traveled around the country, as “The Redeemed”, sharing their Biblical message and honoring Jesus Christ. They recorded four albums in Nashville, TN.

Cecil was generous in the use of his many gifts and talents in helping others. He became a born-again believer in Jesus Christ, dedicating his life to serving his Lord at approximately age 40. He was a member and elder of the New Troy, MI, Grace Brethren Church. He is survived by his son, Cecil Ray Stice, Jr., (Lisa), of Spring, Texas; daughter, Skeeter Savage, of Covert, MI; daughter, Amy Lynne Cline, (Robert), of Tucson, Arizona; daughter-in-law, Christine (Drake) Stice, Savannah, GA; eleven grandchildren, Sony Elise, Israel (Brook) Wayne, Mercy Mensinger, Grace Savage, Glory (John) Springer, Bethany (Jeff) Sly; Robert Bruce Cline, Jr., Cara (Ricky) Williams, Hamilton Byrne Cline; Tristan Stice, and Ariel Stice. Cecil had 16 deeply loved great
grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews, whom he loved. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Clairbell; his son, Cary Alan Stice; his father and mother; brother, George Asbury Stice, Jr.; brother, Freeman Lucien Stice; sister, Tommie June Tomayo Stahl.

Funeral services 11 AM Thursday, January 14, 2021  at New Troy Grace Brethren Church. Viewing from 10-11am until the time of the service. Burial at New Troy Cemetery, New Troy. Memorial contributions to  New Troy Grace Brethren Church, 13310 California Road, PO Box 67, New Troy, MI 49119.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman.