John Cecil Soileau

John Cecil Soileau, 61, of Houston, Texas, transitioned from Earth to Heaven on Tuesday, May 7, 2013. Cecil, as he preferred to be called, first began positively impacting the world on September 26, 1951 in Ville Platte, La. He was the younger of two sons, born to Milton and Jeanne Soileau. As a young boy in Louisiana he loved fishing, hunting and the competition and physicality of football. From his earliest days, Cecil was intimately familiar with rural farm living, which he often noted, “…is a lot like work, brother!” Cecil’s large close-knit family influenced him greatly and helped him learn to prioritize family. His grandmother, Beatrice Joubert, especially influenced his life at an early age. As a young man, he also enjoyed sharing many hours with his brothers’ sons and daughter. His life was forever changed by receiving Jesus Christ as his Lord, Savior and Friend in 1972 and he was a faithful member of the body of Christ until he was called home. Shortly after salvation, Cecil became a phone counselor with The 700 Club, investing into the lives of people who called for prayer. His church home was the Encourager Church, where he served as an usher. On June 20, 1981, Cecil married the woman that he considered it his great honor to call his wife, Pamela Kay Moore. They have two precious daughters, Deanna Faithe and Deidre Hope. Kayden Clarence, his darling grandson, lovingly referred to Cecil as “Bae Bae,” and they shared a special bond as the men of the Soileau household. Cecil was a Godly man, a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, Son-in-love, and friend. Cecil never met a stranger and he will always be remembered for his incredible ability to love. His warm and gregarious personality ensured that everyone he met felt comfortable and welcomed. Always a hospitable home, it was a high honor to be invited to the Soileau’s for an evening of his life-changing étouffée, or even rarer, his gumbo. Cecil was a very unassuming man who deeply impacted the lives around him without trying, daily exemplifying the love of Jesus. He is greatly missed and the memories we shared will always be cherished. He left a legacy of faithfulness, gentleness, loving, caring, and giving in any way that he could, and always, a big Cecil grin. Cecil was an avid reader of many genres, with a special interest in history. He enjoyed many a good action flick, but the Tolkien trilogy, “The Lord of the Rings,” held a special place in his heart and family. He always smiled big when recalling that his girls enjoyed attending the midnight premieres with him. Cecil also enjoyed the competitive nature of NFL football, especially the playoffs, and listening to oldies music with his Pamela. Cecil initially attended Louisiana State University working toward a mechanical/petroleum engineering degree, but was recruited to work in Houston before he completed his coursework. He graduated in 1986 from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics. As he was prone to saying, “The best thing about graduating is now they’re paying you!” He enjoyed a successful career as an IT Systems Analyst in multiple industries.Cecil is survived by his wife of nearly 32 years, Pamela Soileau of Houston, Texas; two daughters, Deanna Soileau Morrow (Michael) of Houston, Texas, and Deidre Soileau of Houston, Texas; grandson, Kayden Clarence Soileau of Houston, Texas; brother, Arlen Soileau (Norma) of Pineville, Louisiana; parents-in-love, Donna Moore Condon (John) of Houston, Texas; brother-in-love Steven Moore (Mary Beth); aunt Mickie Barnhill of Houston, Texas; nephews, a niece, extended family members, and a host of friends. In lieu of flowers, we invite you to make a donation to an organization that is dear to our hearts: “Alternatives in Motion” - 2509 FM 1960 E. #B Houston, Texas 77073. Contact Anne Landry at 281-821-6508 - www.aimadoptions.org The Soileau family would like to thank everyone for their love, many prayers, calls, acts of kindness and support.