Retired Chief Petty Officer Cecil Wayne Crabb, 71, of Riverview, Fla., sailed his final voyage Tuesday, April 3, 2012, to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

While our tears show our sadness, our hearts are joyful knowing that Cecil is with Jesus.

He was born Nov. 10, 1940, in Memphis, Tenn., and at a young age moved to Cape Girardeau. Cecil was the son of the late Della Fay Shanks and Judy D. Crabb.

Cecil was preceded by a sister, Shirley Bennett.

He said his final farewells to Rachel Orr Crabb, the love of his life, best friend and wife of 39 years. Also surviving are sisters, Judy Faye Fox and husband Richard of Millington, Tenn., Bernice Stacks and husband Major of Southaven, Miss., Venita Martin and husband Ervin and Sharon Alexander of Horn Lake, Miss.; a niece, Cheryl Bennett Pittman and husband Ralph of Murray, Ky.; four nephews, Bill Bennett and wife Laura of Cape Girardeau, Bob Bennett of Jackson, Donald Lynn Fox and Joe David Fox of Memphis.

Cecil was an active member of Bell Shoals Baptist Church where he served as an usher.

He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy 22 years.

After retiring from the Navy in February 1980, Cecil made a home in the Tampa Bay area. He worked a short time for CSX Railroad and then retired a second time from Tampa International Airport-Hillsborough County Aviation Authority in December 2002.

Cecil was adored by all who had the pleasure of getting to know him, including his adopted nieces, Tiffany Jones Willis and children, Casey and Jarrett; and Allison Jones Snow, both of Valrico, Fla.

We must remember that this is not the end, but rather the beginning, of Cecil's eternal life.

The service was held Friday at Bell Shoals Baptist Church in Brandon, Fla. He was laid to rest at Serenity Meadows Memorial Park with full military honors.

Serenity Meadows Memorial Park and Funeral Home in Riverview was in charge of arrangements.

Honorary pallbearers were nephews Bill Bennett, Bob Bennett, Lee Snow, Jason Willis, and friends J.R. Mullins and Tom St. Onge.

Cecil is standing tall with the sun upon his face, the sea breeze at his back and a heart filled with love; this sailor's wake will ripple long and wide through his loved ones hearts and minds left behind on that distant shore.

Memorial gifts may be given to Bell Shoals Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be made on the Serenity Meadows website, www.serenitymeadows.com.

The family wishes to express its love and appreciation for all the prayers, support and love during this time.