Cecil Watlington , 87, of Center, passed away Sunday, December 21, 2025, in Center.

Memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Rev. Malcolm Monroe and Chris Watlington officiating.  Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m.

Born June 1, 1938, Cecil is the son of Ferral Watlington and Elizabeth Huddleston Watlington.  He graduated from Center High School in 1956, then went straight into the United States Navy, where he served four years.  Cecil returned to Center and worked at Sherzer and Slayden before opening NAPA in 1967.  He was a lifetime member of First Methodist Church of Center, an Elder at First Christian Church, and a member of Center Noon Lions Club.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Virginia Watlington of Center; son, Jasen Watlington and wife Peggy of Center; daughter, Hope Frohbieter of Richmond; grandchildren, Elizabeth and husband Richard Pinkston, Eryn Tyler Frohbieter, Gage Watlington, Linsey Shaeffer, Roni and husband Chris Waller, Brandi and husband Tommy Shiflett, and Lacy White; great grandchildren, Kinzley, Andrew, and Nora Pinkston, Alanea Edwards, Kase Hooper, Logan, Camden, and Dylan Shiflett, and Greyson Ray and Landry Middlebrook; great great granddaughter, Kate Edwards; brother, Jay Watlington and wife Jo of Lufkin; numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives; and a host of friends.

Preceded in death by his infant children, Toni Kamille Watlington and Cecil Christopher Watlington; parents, Ferral Watlington and Elizabeth Huddleston Watlington; brothers, Kenneth Watlington, Jackie Watlington, and Billy Earl Watlington; sister, Mary Lou Adams.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Cecil Watlington Roughrider Scholarship, Class of 1956 Roughrider Scholarship, First Methodist Church of Center, or a charity of choice.