Cecil began this life on November 8, 1951, in Memphis, TX, the son of Harvey and Shirley (Tate) Kirk. He graduated from Northwest High School in Justin, TX and soon after enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Cecil served aboard the U.S.S. John Adams, a Lafayette-class ballistic missile submarine, as the officer's steward. He also served in the military police while stationed in Hawaii. Upon discharge from the Navy, Cecil began working as a residential painting contractor. He painted while on the Kwajalein atoll in the Marshall Islands and for the Lewisville, TX school district for several years. He then opened his own painting business. Cecil retired after more than 58 years in the industry.

Cecil started seeing Cheryl Hard in April of 1994. After a few years they decided to unite in marriage on May 9, 2006, at a ceremony in Sanger, TX. They spent nearly 31 years together.

Cecil was a very patriotic and proud Navy man. He was also a huge Trump supporter. His patriotism led him to membership in the VFW Post 2205 in Denton. Cecil was also a member of the Denton Elks Lodge #2446 and a member of the Hilltop Assembly of God in Aubrey, TX. He was an avid Christian and never missed an opportunity to spread the gospel or share a Bible.

In his spare time, Cecil loved listening to gospel and old-time country music. He also loved attending muscle car shows, drag races, and NASCAR events. Cecil was somewhat of a "gearhead" and took a lot of pride in his custom-built tricycle chopper. Cecil really enjoyed traveling and loved journeys to San Antonio. He didn't just travel the boring highways and interstates, several of his most memorable trips were when he took the back roads to his destination. Cecil will be fondly remembered for his creative cooking ability that he put on display from the galley of a submarine to the back yard grill. Many of his concoctions will be fondly remembered, like his mango salsa. While some others like his cinnamon chili, may be soon forgotten.

Cecil was preceded in death by his parents and by a grandchild, Shelbi Kirk.

Those left to cherish Cecil's memory are his wife, Cheryl; children, Sam Kirk and wife Laura of Edinburg, TX, Leslie McCarty and wife Lindsay of Wentzville, MO, and Stormie McCarty and husband Josh of Sevierville, TN; grandchildren, Sam Kirk, Jr., Brad Kirk, Tucker Kirk, Katie Kirk, Amelia Kirk, Cecilia Kirk, Braylon McCarty, Whitley McCarty, Kinsley McCarty, Eli McCarty, and Aja McCarty; brother, Brad Kirk of Madill, OK; and sisters, Debbie Smith and husband Don of Justin and Jennifer McLeod and husband Alan of Denton.

Casket bearers are Don Smith, Paul Shaffer, Brock Eppler, Brian Hard, Brad Kirk, and Tucker Kirk. Honorary bearers are Roger Whittington and Chad Hard.