of Little Rock, AR
November 8, 1937 - October 10, 2024
CECIL OSWELL TENNANT, born November 8, 1937 in Gaffney, South Carolina has taken his last flight into the skies on October 10, 2024. He was the eldest child of Condy and Fleda Tennant. After graduating high school he attended Weaver Airline School in Kansas City, MO. He then began his lifelong career with Delta Airlines, the second love of his life, in Detroit, Michigan. After being hired, he married his high school sweetheart and first love of his life, Doris Scruggs on September 8, 1957 and they moved to Detroit. He began his career loading baggage and doing the other duties of a ramp worker. A few years later, he accepted a transfer to Charlotte, NC and over the next several years worked his way up the ladder from gate agent and ticket counter to Sales Representative in marketing. In 1973, he accepted a promotion to District Marketing Manager in Little Rock, AR where he stayed until he retired.
Cecil and Doris had three children, Bruce Tennant, Bryan Tennant and Vicki McRae. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Bryan. He is survived by his wife, Doris; son, Bruce; daughter, Vicki (Brian McRae); granddaughter, Caitlyn Tennant and grandson, Cameron McRae (Mady McRae).
Cecil lived and breathed his work, which often required him to be away from home. He was always willing to do his clients a favor and worked tirelessly to make sure they were taking care of. They all had his home phone number and he would help them if they had a travel emergency or any other issue. Cecil always made sure they had drink coupons for their travels as well. While his family often told him that his only hobby was Delta, he did enjoy working in the yard and going to the lakes around Hot Springs, AR. He loved the lakes so much that he and Doris purchased a home on Lake Hamilton and moved there for a number of years after his retirement before moving back to Little Rock. After returning to Little Rock, he was subsequently diagnosed with one of the most horrible diseases, Alzheimer's, which eventually took his life.
At the families' request, no services will take place. A private celebration of life will be held sometime in the future. At his request, his remains will be returned to his hometown of Gaffney, South Carolina. It was his wish to be returned to the place he always held dearly in his heart much like the song sung by James Taylor, ''Carolina In My Mind''. Please feel free to make a donation in his name to a charity of your choosing. Cecil donated to various Alzheimer's charities as well as St. Jude's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.
Cremation privileges were entrusted to Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72211.
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10 Condolence(s)
Joe and Pam Gentry
Monday, November 4, 2024
Cecil and Doris have been friends for many years. We have shared so many fun times together and will continue to laugh out loud remembering all the “Cecil “ stories. He will be missed by many. Prayers for peace and only the best memories for all his family.
Harold Marshall
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Doris, my wife Barbara and I are heartbroken at the news of Cecil’s passing. Cecil was one of the best of our group of retired Delta folks. You and your family have our deepest sympathies and prayers. Please let us know if there’s anything we can do for you. We will truly miss him. He was always a pleasure to be around with his fun loving spirit.
Margaret Kemp
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
May Cecil rest in peace.
I had the privilege of working with Cecil for many years as a member of Poe Travel. He was such a joy and always had a smile on his face and ready to help in any way. Delta certainly was lucky to have Cecil all those years. You could tell Cecil loved his work.
Keeping you all in our prayers.
Glenn Cunningham
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
What a special person! I first knew him as the ,”Delta,” man in the Tower building ways back in the 80’s .Cecil invited me to join SKAL and the fun ensued! My late wife, Diane, and I always looked for to seeing Cecil and Doris-a very special couple. My condolences and love to you , Doris.
Barry and Kathy Travis
Monday, October 14, 2024
Cecil was a dear friend. He was always ready for a laugh especially during our many years as members of SKAL club. Kathy and I extend our sincere condolences to Doris and his family. Cecil will be greatly missed.
Gary and Katrina Weed
Monday, October 14, 2024
Cecil will always be remembered with fond memories at work at Delta. He always had a smile for all as well as assistance when needed.
Katrina and I will cherish the enjoyable times we spent sharing social times together whether it was golf or sharing a meal.
Our hearts go out to his family at this sad time. We certainly know how much he will be missed by his family and all of those that were lucky enough to know him.
With sincere sympathy,
Gary and Katrina
Susan Santa Cruz
Sunday, October 13, 2024
I’m sending my love to Doris, Vicki, and all of your family. Cecil truly was a wonderful person. He was so caring and giving. I’m so sorry he had to suffer with Alzheimer’s for the past years.
Scott & Tammy Haggard
Sunday, October 13, 2024
We are so sorry for your loss. I remember working with him on Radio promotions. He was such a great guy.
May God wrap His Loving Arms around you and your family, giving you Comfort and Peace.
Ted Wong
Sunday, October 13, 2024
Doris,
We are so sorry to hear about Cecil. I always enjoyed being around him and talking to him.
I will always remember him by his smile and friendliness. We are thinking of you and family
during this sad time.
Ted and Sandy Wong
Raegan Tennant
Saturday, October 12, 2024
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Uncle Cecil. Our thoughts and prayers are with Aunt Doris and the rest of the family. Uncle Cecil always had an infectious smile and great stories. He will be greatly missed.