Cecil Wayne Van Duzee, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and proud Veteran of the United States Marines, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2024, at Iberia Manor South, surrounded by his loving family. He was 70 years old.
Cecil was born and raised in New Iberia to the late Everett Van Duzee, Jr. and the late Inez Badeaux Van Duzee and was one of seven children born to that union. He served his country with honor during the Vietnam War as a proud member of the United States Marine Corps.
In his professional life, Cecil was a dedicated entrepreneur who owned and operated Big C Services, LLC, a respected oilfield transportation business serving companies throughout the Acadiana area for over 20 years. His previous roles included working in security at the Port of Iberia and serving as a licensed insurance agent with Commonwealth Life Insurance Company.
Outside of work, Cecil had a passion for sports and leisure activities. He was an enthusiastic supporter of the LSU Tigers and found joy in baseball, bowling, and sponsoring his softball team in the Pelican Park League. He cherished vacations spent relaxing on the beaches of Pensacola, and his family fondly remembers his dedication to genealogy research, where he spent countless hours tracing his family lineage and that of others.
Above all, Cecil's greatest devotion was to his family. Throughout his 70 years, he tirelessly cared for their welfare and treasured every moment spent together. His love and legacy will forever be remembered by those who knew him.
Cecil is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Glenda T. Van Duzee; his son and daughter, Peter M. Van Duzee, DVM and wife Jennifer Guilbeaux Van Duzee, and Kristin B. Van Duzee; his beloved grandchildren, Cole M. Van Duzee, Dawson J. Van Duzee, and Sawyer J. Van Duzee; and his sister and brothers, Connie V. Green and husband Phil, Everett N. Van Duzee, III and wife Pam Dutil Van Duzee, David Van Duzee and wife Katie Alleman Van Duzee, Anthony L. Van Duzee and wife Michelle Elias Van Duzee, and Joseph V. Van Duzee and wife Karin.
He was preceded in death by his son and daughter, Michael A. Van Duzee and Victoria L. Van Duzee; his sister, Kathryn K. Van Duzee; and his loyal fur baby, Minnie.
A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Cecil's life will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church. Fr. Matthew Hebert will be the celebrant. Following the mass, Cecil will be laid to rest at Memorial Park Mausoleum.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm at Evangeline Funeral Home, with the Men's Rosary Group leading the recitation of the Rosary at 6:00 pm. Visitation will resume on Wednesday from 10:00 am until 1:30 pm dismissal.
Honored to serve as pallbearers are Peter Van Duzee, Cole Van Duzee, Dawson Van Duzee, Sawyer Van Duzee, Everett Van Duzee, David Van Duzee, Anthony Van Duzee, and Joseph Van Duzee.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the Van Duzee family by visiting Cecil's memorial page at www.evangelinenewiberia.com.
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is entrusted with arrangements.
