OBITUARY

Thomas Cecil Cupp, 96, longtime resident of Milton died Tuesday, May 09, 2006 at St. Marys Medical Center after a brief illness.  Funeral services will be conducted 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 15, 2006 at Heck Funeral Home, Milton with Rev. Marvin Stewart, Rev. Winford Curry and Rev. Allen Stewart officiating.  Burial will follow in White Chapel Memorial Gardens, Barboursville.  Mr. Cupp was born in Cabell County to the late Charles and Sarah E. Cupp.  In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a four year old son, Cecil Jr.; his wife, Leota E. Cupp; four brothers, Roy, Creath H., William and Raymond Cupp; one half-brother, Rock Rollyson; one half-sister, Lessie Williams.  He is survived by his son and wife, A. Curtis and Caroline Cupp of Eden, N.C.; three grandchildren and spouses, Curtis A. and Michelle Cupp of Lake Worth, Fla., Carol D. and Steve Underwood of Eden, N.C., Creath E. and JoAnn Cupp of Twisp, WA.; many nieces and nephews and a host of friends; special friends, Sharlotte Conley his caregiver and Bob Lawrence his golfing buddy.  He was a member of the Chestnut Grove Baptist Church and attended the Milton Baptist Church in recent years.  Cecil moved to Milton in 1939 where he and his wife became owner and operators of Cupps Garage/Service Station/Tea Room across from Milton High School.  After eight years he entered the work of sawmill operator.  During this time he built several houses, garage apartment buildings in Milton and began a rental business.  In 1953 he became a structural ironworker from which he retired at age 63 as a member of Local Union 769, Ashland, Ky.  He continued his rental business until his recent hospitalization.  Mr. Cupp will be remembered by many as the old gentleman who with his long-time friend, Delmar Ball rode bicycles in many special day parades in Milton.  The family expresses their deepest appreciation and give sincere thanks to the doctors who treated Cecil and to the staff of 4 South, Team 1 at St. Marys Medical Center and to Hospice of Huntington who directed his care in the final days of his life.  Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m.