Cecil Kenneth Myrick

February 20, 1931 - July 29, 2017

Cecil Kenneth Myrick, 86 of Asheville, woke up in the Land of Glory on July 29, 2017. A native of Rowan County, Cecil was born on February 20, 1931, the son of the late Carlie A. Myrick and Lillie Poole Myrick. In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by his sister, Ann Myrick Lyerly. Educated in Rowan County public schools, he was then graduated from Pfeiffer Junior College in 1951, Randolph-Macon Men’s College in 1953, and Duke Divinity School in 1957. After being ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church in 1957, he served churches in Stanley County, NC, Asheville, and Charlotte for 39 years, retiring in 1993. His experiences as Director of Inner City and Urban Ministries in Charlotte and his association with a Korean congregation in Asheville greatly influenced his life. He also served as part-time chaplain at Brooks-Howell Home, a retirement home for deaconesses and missionaries in Asheville. His retirement years were spent busy with volunteer work, gardening, reading and study. Music, especially singing, was always an important part of his life. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ellen Royston Myrick; two sons, Kenneth Reginald Myrick and Carl Royston Myrick and his partner, Ronald McLean; two granddaughters, Katie and Emma Myrick; three nieces; two nephews; one grandniece; three grandnephews and his brother, Carlie A. Myrick, Jr., of Titusville, FL. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 6, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. in the Norma Pullman Chapel at Givens Estates with The Reverend Ed Hillman, The Reverend Fred Macon and Dr. Jonathan Golden officiating. Memorial donations may be made to the Resident Assistance Fund of Givens Estates, www.givensestates.org, or to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.