Cecil Swann Ward

Cecil Swann Ward, 86, of Monticello, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026, at home surrounded by family. Services were held on March 23 at Tilton Church, with Rev. Wade Barnes officiating; music by Sandy Brister, Ramona Neal, and DeeDee Barnes; and reading by Rhianna Reeder. Burial followed in Tilton Cemetery.

Cecil was born on April 20, 1939, to Isom Swann and Ollie Mae Ward in Silver Creek. He attended Silver Creek High School and then spent his career working offshore and driving 18-wheelers across the country. Cecil also served his country in the Mississippi National Guard.

Cecil was a devoted family man and enjoyed spending time with family. He also loved his church, church family, and a host of lifelong friends. He will be remembered as a persistent practical joker who lived to get a laugh from everyone he met. His hobbies included collecting and restoring International tractors along with old guns and knives.

He is survived by his beloved wife, (1991) Rose Mary. He received the greatest honor of being the best father to his daughters, Ramona Neal (Jody) and Deadra “DeeDee” Barnes (Bo), and stepdaughter, Yvette Harris (James). He was given an even greater honor of being Pop to his six grandchildren, Jerad Neal, Layton Neal, Dillan Barnes, Dawson Barnes (Carleigh), Whitney Ott (Michael), and Morgan Speights (Chloe); and eight great-grandchildren, Keely Grayce and Madalynn “Maddie” Darlene Neal, Bryson, Karcey Anne, Kyleigh, Raelan, Braylen, and Reese Barnes. Cecil is also survived by his sister, Angela Ward Garrett (Kevin), and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Cecil in death were his parents, Isom Swann and Ollie Mae Ward; sister, Alma Ilene Buffington; nephew, Ramondo Clay Buffington; and great-granddaughter, Kaelyn Louise Barnes.

He will be dearly missed by family and friends. His family was his pride and joy and his greatest roles in his life was being Pop or Cecil-Pop and closing conversations with “I love you and to be careful.” He was always a person you could count on and didn’t hesitate to help anyone in need.

The family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to Arden Hospice for the care they showed during his final days on this side of heaven, as well as the services of Rev. Jay Thompson and staff of Wilson Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Tilton Cemetery Fund.