News Summary
The community of West Columbia, SC comes together to honor Cecil Walker DuPree, Jr., who passed away at the age of 66. Cecil’s life was marked by his courageous battle with lymphoma and his deep love for his family and community. His legacy of strength, faith, and love will be cherished by all who knew him.
West Columbia, South Carolina: Remembering a Beacon of Strength and Love
On a beautiful day in West Columbia, community members are coming together to remember the life of Cecil Walker DuPree, Jr., who sadly passed away on May 31, 2025, at the age of 66. With a heavy heart, his loved ones reflect on his impressive journey and the many lives he touched along the way.
A Journey of Faith and Determination
Cecil fought valiantly against a diagnosis of DLBCL non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma for 20 long months. His battle was marked by a warrior’s spirit, resilience, and a deep-rooted faith that served as a source of strength not just for him, but also for those around him. Cecil was born on January 17, 1959, in the charming town of Milton, Florida, and over the years, he became a beloved figure in his community.
Before settling down in the scenic Pawley’s Island, Cecil spent many years in West Columbia, creating countless memories and friendships. He was a proud graduate of Lexington High School, class of 1977, and embarked on a fulfilling career as a commercial electrician after completing an electrical apprenticeship.
Building an Empire with Integrity
Cecil not only honed his skills in electrical work but also co-founded Southern Electric, Inc., a company renowned for its commitment to quality and integrity. His reputation for providing top-notch work and unwavering reliability made him a respected figure in the industry, earning him friendships and admiration from clients and peers alike.
A Life Full of Love
Family was at the core of Cecil’s life. He cherished his wife, Karen West DuPree, with all his heart. Their love story was a beautiful testament to partnership and devotion, with Karen always by his side, providing strength and support through every challenge. Together, they raised their son, Timothy Walker DuPree, who carried on their legacy of love. Timothy and his wife, Courtney, blessed Cecil and Karen with four adorable grandchildren: Carson, Bella, Callie, and Landon.
Not only was Cecil a devoted husband and father, but he also had a gentle soul that extended to animals. His fondness for cats and their cuddly Cavapoo, Luna, brought joy to his life. An aficionado of the simple things, Cecil found bliss in lazy beach days, indulging in good books, and savoring rounds of golf at the Reserve Golf Club. His dry wit and sharp comebacks made him a favorite among friends and golf buddies, earning laughs and good times on the course.
Leaving a Legacy
Cecil’s impact didn’t stop there. He was a dedicated member of the Pawley’s Island Community Church, where his faith and unwavering spirit inspired many. His vibrant character and passion for life will be profoundly missed by those who knew and loved him.
As the community gathers to honor Cecil’s memory, a visitation is scheduled for June 4, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at the Caughman-Harman Funeral Home – Lexington Chapel. Following the visitation, a celebration of his life will commence at 11:00 AM, with entombment at Woodridge Memorial Park afterward.
Honoring His Memory
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Lymphoma Research Foundation, celebrating Cecil’s courage in the face of adversity. A life filled with faith, strength, and love, Cecil Walker DuPree, Jr. leaves behind a legacy that will never be forgotten, cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Cecil Walker DuPree, Jr. Obituary
- Caughman-Harman Funeral Home – Lexington Chapel
- Lymphoma Research Foundation
- Wikipedia: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lymphoma
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
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