Deacon Cecil Gaffney's Obituary
Deacon S. Gaffney Obituary
In the canvassed landscaping and fertile terrain of Clarksville, Texas, a son, Cecil Sylvester Gaffney, was born to LB Gaffney and Winifred Gaffney. Only God could know the “charted destiny and great promise” that was being formed in the heart and mind of this young boy. This young boy shared his childhood with two loving sisters, Mamie Teague and Rose Bradley.
Cecil’s family relocated to Hobbs, New Mexico in 1948 where he enrolled in the Booker T. Washington school system and remained in the system until he joined the US Air Force in October 1956.
During this time he met and fell in love with a young woman named Doris who became his high school sweetheart. In February 1957, he married his childhood sweetheart, Doris Ann Doss, and from that union came four children; Gary Dwon Gaffney, Neressa Lynn Alexander, Sheryl Denise Edwards, and Jeffrey Glen Gaffney, whom he dearly loved.
Following a US Air Force career that expanded over 28 years where he received many medals, citations, and achievement awards; including the Meritorious Service Medal with 1 oak leaf cluster, The Air Force Commendation medal with 3 oak leaf clusters, The Distinguished-Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Outstanding Unit award with 2 oak leaf clusters, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 1 silver and 1 bronze oak leaf clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal with 1 oak leaf cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and selected as the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the year on 3 occasions, he retired as a Chief Master Sergeant, the highest rank that can be achieved as an enlisted member of any branch of the Armed Forces.
Cecil Gaffney’s formal education is inclusive of two Associate degrees, a Bachelor of Science degree, and a Master of Public Administration. He was a licensed Hypno-therapist with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Relations. He served as a member of the ‘American Association of Christian Counselors’ and ‘The Association of Christian Psychology’.
During the summer season of 1981, he became a member of True Vine Community Church which proved to be an excellent match. Deacon Cecil Gaffney was known to express the thought that “this is where I will be until the Lord says otherwise!” He faithfully and whole-heartedly served as a member and held several high-level positions such as Chief Finance Officer, Chairperson of the Trustees Board, and Chairperson of the Deacon Board.
During his servant hood, he counseled many families and married couples and conducted seminars, workshops, and marriage enrichment retreats.
Cecil Gaffney, also fondly known as “Paw-Paw, Poppa, Uncle Deacon, Sly, Deke, and Chief,” was an avid sports fan and his favorite teams were the LA Lakers and Golden State Warriors. He enjoyed reading, playing Scrabble, photography, and any type of “Do It Yourself” project.
Deacon Cecil Gaffney has authored and published 4 books titled “Married Couples Hierarchy of Needs,” “The Plumb Line for Married Couples,” “Family Manifesto,” “The Old Leadership of Zion,” and was in the process of completing his 5th book “Men Do Cry”.
Deacon Cecil Gaffney is preceded in death by his parents Winifred and LB Gaffney.
He leaves to celebrate his life; his wife of 66 years, Doris Gaffney, Tacoma, Washington, 4 children; Gary Gaffney Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Neressa Alexander, Tacoma Washington, Sheryl Edwards, Plano, Texas, and Jeff Gaffney, San Antonio, Texas; 12 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, 2 sisters, and a multitude of friends.
By far Deacon Cecil Gaffney’s greatest legacy was his love for the Lord, his family, serving others, and his church.
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