Cecil P. Beach, 93, a resident of Grand Villa Assisted Living of Lakeland, Florida passed away on September 21, 2020. Cecil was born in Knoxville, Tennessee on July 12, 1927 to Lilly Maude Sims and Cecil Corne. He grew up surrounded by a large loving family of cousins, aunts and uncles. He adored his step father Frank Beach and his two younger sisters Bucky Sue and Louise. Cecil married Doris Jean Pardue in April of 1949 and together they began successfully raising a family of five sons. Upon receiving a Masters Degree in Library Science from Florida State University he embarked upon a successful career that spanned over fifty years, ultimately serving as a library director in Winder, GA; Gadsden, AL; Tampa, FL; and Ft. Lauderdale, FL before becoming the State Librarian for Florida, a professional consultant, and teaching a new generation as a beloved professor, once again at Florida State University in Tallahassee. His second wife Marcia Gibson was a big inspiration for him in his career. He is survived by his sister Bucky Sue, his sons Steve, Rex, Kevin, Kyle, and Quentin, and his step daughters Stephanie and Shannon, plus numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren. A big thank you to all the staff and family members who made his final years more safe and comfortable. He is remembered by everyone as a decent, gentlemanly, and sweet man. Visitation will be held on Sunday September 27 from 10-11 am at Gentry-Morrison Funeral Home, Serenity Gardens Chapel. Services will follow at 11 am at the funeral home.