Cecil Ellis Blythe, age 67, of Afton, passed away peacefully in his home on the morning of September 20, 2022. Cecil, known fondly as Ellis, was a downright stubborn and gruff man, yet he possessed the rare gift of a genuine heart of gold. Despite often coming across as brash, he was a sincere, tender-hearted person who endlessly sought to help his family, friends, and neighbors.
Ellis was born on December 10, 1954 in Afton to Woodrow and Ziritta (Tipton) Blythe. As the only son in a family of four daughters, he took it upon himself to be the uncivilized rascal of the family who dearly enjoyed pranking and humoring his family and friends, often modeling himself off the likes of Jerry Lewis and the three stooges. His witty one-liners and his infamous, yet hilarious, childhood stories delighted us all.
Even though the antics of his youth would probably warrant expulsion today, Ellis graduated from Afton High School in 1973. To further his education, he attended courses from the University of Oklahoma State, even though he was a die-hard Sooner fan at heart, all in order to become an instructor of masonry.
For a little over a decade, his students learned the demanding, yet equally rewarding, art of masonry from a true expert. However, the allure and freedom of working for oneself eventually led him to become an independent contractor. To this day, he is locally renowned for his unparalleled skill and diligent work ethic in masonry and other construction projects.
Ellis, though, wasn’t alone in these accomplishments. During his teenage years, he met the love of his life, Brenda Greenfeather. Her doting nature and saintly tolerance was a perfect match for his playful orneriness and loving heart. On November 18, 1974, they were married. Soon after, they had two children. Ellis was an utterly devoted father and, later, an adoring grandparent. Family was always on the forefront of his mind, and his unconditional love and selfless willingness to help his family will always be cherished.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and Ziritta Blythe, and sister, Christine Smith.
Ellis is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Brenda (Greenfeather) Blythe; son, Cecil Brian Blythe, and his wife, Amanda, of Girard, Kansas; daughter, April Shavon Johnson, and her husband, Justin, of Afton; grandchildren, Jaylynn Blythe, Mckenin Blythe, and Jaydon Blythe; step-grandchildren, Tuff Johnson, Delani Johnson, Camden Leonard, and Nolan Leonard; and sisters, Joyce Corbett of Grove, Elizabeth Barth of Greenbrier, Arkansas, and Judy Wilson of Afton.
Visitation for Cecil will be 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Thursday, September 22, 2022 at Brown-Winters Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Afton.
Services will be at 2:00 PM, on Friday, September 23, 2022 at Brown-Winters Funeral Home and Cremation Service Chapel in Afton. Interment will follow at the Sixkiller Cemetery.
Friends and family may send the family notes of encouragement by viewing Mr. Blythe’s Tribute Page at www.brown-winters.com.