Cecil Edward Aldridge Jr., 91, of Harristown, passed away April 22nd 2026 at home surrounded by his loved ones.
He was born in St. Elmo, Illinois, March 13th 1935. He was the son of Cecil Aldridge Sr. and Rosazetta (Wheat). He was employed at the Firestone Tire and Rubber Plant for 37 years and served in the Army Reserves for 6 years.
He played and later coached church softball for over fifty years and was a devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan. Avid about fitness, Cecil spent much of his time bowling, biking, or playing racket ball. Cecil was a man of faith. He was a member of Tabernacle Baptist church, and later Decatur First Church of the Nazarene. Cecil was a lifelong Sunday school teacher and served his community by volunteering at Helping Hands. Cecil married Marcia Gambrill April 24th, 1965.
Cecil is survived by his wife of 61 years and his four children, Ann (Dale) McKinney, Amy (Jared) Basilious, Travis (Missy) Aldrige, and Susan (Erech) Pierson, his sister, Debora Aldridge, 30 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, two sisters, and his grandchildren, Daley and Teddy.
Visitation will be 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Monday, April 27, 2026, at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home in Decatur, IL. Funeral service will follow immediately after, also at the funeral home. Cecil will be laid to rest in Harristown Cemetery.
Cecil Aldridge was the best dad anyone could ask for.