A Graveside Funeral service, with military honors, and Interment for Lt. Col. Cecil Ray Townsend, 91, will be Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Falkville City Cemetery with Peck Funeral Home directing. No Visitation is scheduled.

Mr. Townsend died on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at Hanceville Health and Rehab.  He was born April 6, 1934, in Tuscaloosa County,  to Cecil Townsend and Lucille Burroughs Townsend.

He was employed by the United States Air Force, as a Lt. Colonel for 21 years, as a Missile Launch Officer and Missile Test Engineer, prior to his retirement. After retiring from the military he was a Computer Programmer. He was raised in the Baptist Church and was a good man who was very encouraging, and had a strong hand. He had been a wonderful caregiver for his wife.

Preceding him in death were his parents, and a twin brother- Thomas Wayne Townsend.

Survivors include

Wife of 70 years  - Joann Townsend,

Daughters - Dana L. Coffey (Rickey), and
Jennifer A. Kelley,

Son - Thomas Ray Townsend (Allison),

Grandsons - Robert Alan Summerford,
Ross Alexander Summerford,
Ryan Anthony Summerford,
Thomas Cameron Townsend,
Edward Miller Townsend,
Callum O'Neal Townsend,
Alexander Grant Townsend,
Michael Keith Penich and
Kevin Jay Penich,

Eighteen Great Grandchildren

Pallbearers will be Ross A. Summerford, Ryan A. Summerford, Robert Alan Summerford, Thomas Cameron Townsend, Edward Miller Townsend, Alexander Grant Townsend, Callum O'Neal Townsend, and Michael Keith Penich.

Peck Funeral Home
1600 Hwy 31 SW
P.O. Box 427
Hartselle, AL  35640
256.773.2541
256.773.2543 (Fax)