Cecil Ramnattan Sobha, age 88, of Cary North Carolina was called home to be with his maker on Friday, September 24, 2021. Cecil was born June 4, 1933 in Guyana. Cecil is survived by his wife, Janet, five grown children: Surojini Winterton, Ramona Mitchell, Robin Sobha, Johann Sobha and Richard Sobha, four siblings, nine grandchildren and four (and a half) great grandchildren.
Those who knew Cecil would describe him simply as the rock. Throughout scripture, rocks are commonly referred to as a symbol of God's heart, reliability and strength. They are portrayed as constant, steady and strong. Rocks are interlaced with the idea of refuge, a place to escape the tumultuous hardships of the earth. Cecil was truly a rock – constant, kind, loving, strong and a refuge – to those in his life!
He was a historian and storyteller of his beloved Guyana. He spoke fondly of his beautiful home country and told tales of his rebellious, motorcycle riding youthful days there. C, as he was affectionately known by his wife Janet, made the decision to move from Guyana to the US to give his family the opportunity for a better life. While he was a pharmacist in Guyana, Cecil became an Accountant with IBM once in the United States. Two wildly different careers but each made successful due to his strong work ethic. He was an intelligent and determined man who was willing to work hard to ensure the future of his family.
Cecil was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend. He loved his wife, Janet, like no other. They were a team, doing life together. When any of the kids would get in trouble the dreaded words to hear were, “wait until your father gets home”. He would always wash the dishes after every meal she cooked and they will forever be remembered for holding hands whenever they walked together. He showed his children how to be an incredible husband, father and teammate in life.
He was an avid sports fan and would watch just about any sport on TV but he especially loved watching Cricket, Football and Baseball. Cecil was a diehard NC State Wolfpack and New York Yankees fan. The only other sporting events he would rather be watching, were the ones that his kids and grandkids played. He was always there to cheer them on and be their biggest fan and supporter. Countless friends of the family noted that they most enjoyed the time they spent with him at all of the games he came to watch whether it was a church league, YMCA league or school game.
Cecil lived to spend time with and spoil his grandkids and great grandkids. Whenever he was with them, he would light up with his infectious smile. He enjoyed making jokes (always laughing at them himself) and creating individual, special, regular outings with each of them to show them he loved them. One of the grandkids put it this way, “Grandpa just made simple things seem like the world…because he offered whatever he had to us with all his heart.”
Throughout his 88 years of life Cecil was constant. A rock and a reliable source of strength to so many people around the world. A child of God that loved with his whole heart. His actions spoke louder than words. Cecil taught us so many priceless lessons. He taught us that any parent in the neighborhood could discipline you (it takes a village). Be kind – kindness is like a boomerang – it comes back to you. Acknowledge people – we all have value. Smile – it may change a person’s day – it may change your day. Work hard but play harder – our best memories come from the times we play hard. Create time with those you love. Fight for the things you care about (in turn figure out what you care about). Help others – it’s just the right thing to do. Show up fully and so many more life lessons. Although he is gone, his spirit, love for family, zeal for life and contagious smile will continue to fill this world through all those his life has touched. We are so thankful for him giving us such happiness and unwavering love.
A visitation for Cecil will be held Friday, October 1, 2021 starting at 1:00 PM at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 200 Southeast Maynard Road, Cary, NC 27511, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM with visitation afterward.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BrownWynneCary.com for the Sobha family.
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