Joseph Franklin Cecil Sr.

Joseph Franklin Cecil, Sr., 84, of Henrico, passed away peacefully Tuesday, April 21, 2026, after complications from a fall. He was born May 31, 1941, in Hanover County, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Thomas and Doswell Walker Cecil; his wife of 38 years, Gloria Spain Cecil; a daughter Kathryn Renee Cecil; sisters Barbara Robben, Jean Rowe and Brenda Slaughter. He is survived by his sons, Joseph F. Cecil, Jr. (Tina) and William Cecil (Charlotte); a daughter Carolyn Newcomb (Gus); six grandchildren, Joey, Jason, JT and Kyle Cecil, Amber Batey (Stephen) and James Davis (Kristen); six great grandchildren, Cali Cecil, Callie, Cooper and Conner Batey, Brielle and Sol Hazelwood-Davis; brothers Emmett Cecil (Paige), Loran Cecil (Wanda) and Bruce Cecil (Vickie); an uncle Douglas Walker (Trudy); numerous nieces and nephews and a special friend, Shirley West.

Sonny had a fulfilling career spanning 40+ years as a draft beer salesman where he forged lifelong friendships with both coworkers and customers while representing Howard, Kronheim Inc. and National Distributing Companies before retiring from Loveland Distributing. He also was devoted to and served as Beer Ambassador while being a member in both the Deutscher Sports Club and Gesangverein Virginia. He served on the Board of Directors for the Richmond Oktoberfest and was named Honorary President in 2023. In addition, he was the owner of Cecil’s Catering where he enjoyed working alongside his family.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life in his honor from 1:00pm – 3:00pm on Saturday, May 30th at the Richmond East Moose Lodge (outdoor pavilion) 7167 Flag Lane, Mechanicsville VA 23111.