Cecil Carl Lane

On Monday, December 11, this world lost a good and great man — Cecil Carl Lane.

Born on July 29, 1943, in Iaeger, WV, he spent most of his life with his family and friends in his hometown of Fort Pierce, Florida, where he grew up and married his childhood sweetheart, Ellen Marie Lane.

They left Fort Pierce to live in West Palm Beach while he earned his master’s degree in political science from FAU after graduating from Indian River Junior College and Dan McCarty High School, Class of 1962. He returned home — only after serving his country as a Lieutenant in Army Intelligence — to raise his family and build a home for his wife Ellen, and two sons, James and Robert.

For many years, his time was spent managing the docks at the family’s business Hudgins Fish Company. In his career in the fish industry, he served as Southeastern Fisheries Association president multiple years. He was a friend to the fishermen — who he deeply respected and advocated for — often when it seemed neither the state or the industry would do the same.

He faithfully served at Parkview Baptist Church, first as layperson, then as deacon and ultimately as an ordained minister. He further served at Orange Avenue Baptist Church and School and was active in the Treasure Coast Baptist Association throughout his ministry.

An avid outdoorsman, Cecil loved the tranquility and peace found in natural settings. He was a member of the Audubon Society and lifetime member of the NRA. For many years he greatly enjoyed fishing, hunting and the game of golf.

The unexpected loss of his wife Ellen in September of 2006 was a challenging time, but our life stories can have many turns along the way. He again found a great love and true joy through his relationship with Eva Kovacs — his faithful wife and companion through the past years. They resided in Howey-in-the-Hills, FL.

A true measure of greatness is not easily found today, but Cecil met the measure. He was a quiet example to all who knew him of how to lead both a good and godly life. One where we love one another, look after each other and help whoever we can however we can, regardless of the personal cost.

He was a peacemaker, often in places where peace wasn’t easily found, and a genuine leader when the need arose. He was never beyond sharing a sharp and carefully pointed turn of phrase when appropriate. They rarely landed in any way but how he intended.

Returning home from trips from Los Angeles, CA, he would recount stories of the places he and Eva would go and the people he would meet and become genuine friends with. In all those connections that he made, what was even more remarkable was hearing him exude the same kindness, graciousness, and love for people as he did here at home.

To him, everyone deserved the same and equal respect regardless of the person.

We can all be thankful for decisions Cecil made and the blessings his friends and family have enjoyed thanks to many of his self-sacrificial choices to “live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18) for the 80 years God gave him here in this world.

There are many stories of the quiet good that he did throughout his life — keep sharing them! They keep his memory alive and here with us, and they remind us of how blessed we have been to have had such a good example to live by.

We all grieve his loss and the absence felt knowing he’s not here, but he is home with the Lord — separated only from sorrow and pain. Cecil is with all the saints who have gone before us. We look ahead to see him there again.

“For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.” 1 John 5:4-5 NLT

Cecil was preceded in death by his father, James Lowell Lane; mother, Birchie Thornsbury Lane, stepmother, Lois Lane, sisters, Ruby Jean Holzinger, Gladys Vaughn and his first wife, Ellen Marie Lane.

He is survived by his son, James Lane (Lyn) and grandsons Matthew and William; his son, Robert Lane (Christie) and granddaughters Nikki and Riley; his wife, Eva Kovacs, her sons and her grandchildren, as well as many extended family members including Lillian Kendall, Linda Milam, Edie Smith, Joe Lane, Jim Lane and Roger Lane, Robert Harrell, Linda Darlene Harrell, James Harrell, Carl Harrell, Joyce Garwood, William Garwood, Diane Lane, Julia Lane and Raymond Lane.

A celebration of life will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Parkview Baptist Church, 403 Hayes Road, Fort Pierce, FL, so family and friends nearby can honor the memory of his life. Interment was held on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at the Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, FL.