Cecil Acuff

Cecil Warner Acuff, 98, of Stillwater passed away on August 18, 2021. He was born on April 25, 1923 in Cushing, Oklahoma to Warner Wesley and Anna Marie Laughlin Acuff. The family moved to Sallisaw, OK where he graduated from Sallisaw High School. He attended Southeastern State University in Durant, Oklahoma on a basketball scholarship. He entered the U.S. Navy and attended Midshipman Training at Northwestern University where he met Carol Barbara Staley on a blind date, who became Mrs. Acuff in 1947.

He dedicated his work life to a career in public education following service to his country. He received a Master of Science degree in Industrial Engineering, then Education Administration and served many years at Perkins-Tryon Public Schools, as a basketball coach, principal and finally as Superintendent until his retirement in 1985.
He loved being outdoors. He was an avid water skier, loved camping and playing tennis. He turned his passion for photography into a business and took many portraits, weddings and senior class and sports photos over the years. He also wrote a regular column for the Perkins Journal and Stillwater NewsPress.
He is survived by his children, Chris Acuff and wife Nita of Perkins, OK and Craig Acuff and wife Brenda of Litchfield Park, AZ. Grandchildren include Janee Baker and husband Noel, Clint Acuff and wife Donecia, Seth Acuff and wife Kristalyn, Callie Acuff, Sam Acuff, and Mollie Acuff. Great-grandchildren are Taylor and Kendall Cunningham and Davin and Cason Acuff. He also leaves behind a number of extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and son, Dr. Clifford Alan Acuff.
A private memorial graveside service will be held at a future date. Condolences may be sent to the family via an online guestbook at www.dightonmarler.com