Danny James Cecile Sr.

Danny James Cecile, Sr., known to most as “Snookie” and “Paw” by his grandchildren, passed away on August 11, 2026, surrounded by the family he cherished. He left behind a legacy of hard work, laughter, and devotion to those he loved.

Danny was born on April 4, 1949, in Winston-Salem, NC. He married Margaret Boyd Cecile on July 25, 1970. Danny often shared stories of his youth working on a cattle farm and riding horses while they dated and in the early days of their marriage. Over time, horses gave way to Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and he took tremendous pride in his customized Chopper. Some of his favorite memories were the motorcycle rides he shared with his brothers along the Blue Ridge Parkway and from Wilkesboro to North Myrtle Beach. In later years, those beach trips became family traditions as he was delighted to take vacations with his children and grandchildren.

Danny studied welding at Forsyth Technical Community College. He continued welding and training others to weld until last year. He was a master of cutting, welding, and metal fabrication. He could operate any machine or crusher in a rock quarry and make any necessary repairs to keep it running. With a lifelong passion for crushing rock, Danny was respected for his expertise in plant design and aggregate production for both private and public construction projects. Whether he was building conveyors or crushing and screening equipment, drilling rock, or visiting with customers at the Boone scale house, he valued his work.  

Danny's greatest joy was his family. He enjoyed sharing meals at local restaurants, always sitting close to Margaret—often with his hand resting on her knee or a grandchild in his lap. The laughter of his grandchildren and the familiar sounds of Westerns playing on television are memories that bring comfort to those who loved him. Danny is survived by his wife, Margaret Cecile; three children, D.J. Cecile (Jennifer), Angel Blackburn, and Mandy Leonard (Gray); eight grandchildren, Dylan, Toree, Anna, Sara, Emma, Ella, Charlotte, and Grace; and one great-grandchild, Kinley Mae. He is also survived by two brothers, Larry C. "Duts" Cecile (Marcia), and Raymond S. "Pete" Cecile (Gail), as well as a number of nieces and nephews. Danny is preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Elsie Cecile; siblings Ronald Charles Cecile, Martha “Marty" Hartman, and Bill Cecile, Jr.

The family will receive friends at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home on August 13, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A private service and burial will follow on August 14, 2026. Flowers are welcome, as are donations to Amorem Hospice or to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in recognition of their assistance during Danny's treatment journey. Special thanks also to those who provided care and physical therapy to Danny. Danny's family is grateful for the love, support, and prayers extended to them during this difficult time.

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