Cecil Malone

Cecil Malone "Big C" or Par Tee" was born to the late Goode Malone and Fannie May Malone on January 23, 1930 in Blytheville, Arkansas.  He as the youngest of four children. Airborne Ranger Malone departed this life early Saturday Morning, December 7, 2019, at the age of 89 following a recent illness. He was educated in the public school system of Cleveland, Ohio and joined the U.S. Army at the age of 17.  He "soldiered" from May 1946 until his retirement in December 1968.  During his military career, one of the proudest moments was completing Airborne School in 1948 at Fort Benning, Georgia.  It later translated into his passion of free-fall skying, which he enjoyed until his mid-70's. He was honored to return to pin jump-wings on his wife, Joyce and to in laws - MSGT  (Ret) Rosetta Pratt Norwood, and her brother Corporal RoAnthony Pratt.

He proudly served as a member of the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion and later as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division. His service led him to join the Special Forces Operation Command and US Army 7th Ranger Company. As a young soldier, he fell in love with track and field and made hid mark as the fastest, high hurdler and sprinter races at Fort Bragg.  Mr. Malone fought in the Korean and Vietnam wars with tours of duty in Panama, Canal, Japan, and Germany.  After 22 years, he retired at the rank of Sergeant First Class, following his tour in Vietnam.

Before retirement, his life would change forever. He and a friend drove down Murchison Road, made a left on Jasper Street to Seabrook Road into Broadell Homes, where he found his wife Joyce Hadley. They were married October 1962.  From this union his eldest child, Patricia Delzora, was born and baby girl Constance Joyce, was born during a three year tour in Ancon, Canal Zone, Panama.

Following retirement Ranger Malone was employed with the Special Forces Operations Command in the John F. Kennedy Center as a supply clerk specialist.  His federal civil employment lasted 20 years rounding out 42 years of government service.  He also earned an Associates degree from Shaw University Extension Campus.

He believed in and lived his favorite "Rangers Lead the Way" Leading in the practice of giving and forgiving with a humble heart, he knew his family mattered most. Family travel and holidays were spent together, and in times of need, they were there for one another as the family is on this day.

He was preceded in death by his parents,two brothers, Joe ans Aaron, and one sister, Lillie, all of Cleveland, Ohio.

He leaves behind, his wife, Joyce: two daughters, Patricia and Constance, his most loyal son-in-law, Roosevelt: two granddaughters, Kayla Janae and Chelsea Janelle; and his best friend, Ivy Green: a host of nieces, nephews, extend family, friends,the loving members of College Heights Presbyterian Church and the military community.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE SEND DONATIONS TO COLLEGE HEIGHTS PREBYTERIAN BUILDING FUND, 1801 Seabrook Road, Fayetteville, NC 28301