Cecil Adren Counts

February 24, 1936 - February 7, 2022

Cecil Adren Counts, age 85, of Clincho, VA passed away Monday, February 7th, 2022. He is survived by his children, Tab and Billy; Sister Trevor; Brothers Jimmy and Billy; and numerous grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents, Orville and Mabel; his brothers Harry, Mackey and Sandy; his wife Shelia and his sons Mike and Eddie. Cecil grew up in a small southern Virginia town where he met the love of his life and future wife. He enlisted in the Marines and set out from his corner of the world to places he’d never even dreamed of. He regularly made it back throughout his life to see family and friends and the place he’d always call home. Shelia and Cecil shared a beautiful life together - simple, and full of deep love and commitment to one another’s happiness. Even once retired, they’d sneak off like kids to Atlantic City for the endless seafood and a few pulls on the slots before heading right back to care for their kids and grandbabies, fulfilling their every wish and whim with everything they had. When Shelia passed, he took on that role himself and with the kids and grandkids a little older, the caring for became reciprocal for the rest of his days. Today there is an empty chair where our beloved Pappaw sat, where he sipped coffee and sat seemingly tuned into whatever was on the TV but secretly pondering what the day would bring. The emptiness swallows us whole at first for the space he consumed in our lives was vast, but his stories and deep laugh will live in all the nooks and crannies of our minds. That chair will soon be the one at the head of the table at Thanksgiving or the one he’d sit at over the sink to peel his potatoes and we’ll again be consumed with his absence. It may stop us in our tracks and the tears may fall for a moment or two, but we will be warmed in the coldest moments by memories of his immense love; remembering his endearing salutations after every phone call and completely wrapped in the way he loved us all, like only he could. He loved and was loved fiercely and deeply, and we take comfort in knowing that he is now at peace, reunited with his soulmate and their beloved families who’ve kept his new chair warm for him. Visitation will be held at Pierce Funeral Home, 9609 Center Street on Sunday, February 20th, 2022 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Burial will be at Quantico National Cemetery in Triangle, Virginia on Monday, February 21st, at 10:00 am