Cecil Carswell

Cecil Carswell, 76 of Morganton, NC entered the gates of Heaven on Wednesday, July 20, 2016.  Born in Burke County on August 9, 1939, he was a son of the late Obadiah Carswell and Mary Etta Prewitt Carswell.

Cecil loved his family and the Lord and was a member of Cross Memorial Baptist Church.  He was a self-employed contractor and real-estate developer.  He enjoyed big game hunting, fishing and the art of the trade.  Cecil loved to travel any chance he could.  He had a passion for antique and classic cars.  Cecil also had many successful endeavors such as farming, building, and a wood yard, just to name a few.  He was a veteran of the North Carolina National Guard.

Cecil is survived by his wife, Joyce Hallyburton Carswell; children, Tonja Carswell Smith and husband, Wayne, Robbie Carswell and wife, Teresa, and Holly Carswell Ramsey and husband, Jimmy all of Morganton; and step-daughter, Michelle Nanney of Morganton.  He is also survived by a sister, Orce Denton of Morganton; grandchildren, Eli and Emily Smith and Tyler Carswell; step grand-children, Chris Nanney, Jeremy Ledford, Jessica Lyons, and Erica Hallyburton; four step great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Minnie Carswell; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Cecil was preceded in death by his first wife, Melva Jean Mull Carswell; granddaughter, Sally Carswell; brothers, Broadus, Odes, Harrison, Luther, Oliver, and Arthur Carswell; and sisters, Hattie Scott and Eula Smith.

The family will receive friends, Saturday, July 23, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.at Cross Memorial Baptist Church.  The funeral service will follow at 12:30 p.m. with Dr. Jeff Beach and Rev. Kip Shoemaker officiating.  The burial will follow at Bethel United Methodist Church on Bethel Road.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC  28690.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.