Cecil Alton Pemberton (78) of Polk City, Florida, passed away on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 surrounded by family. Cecil, fondly known by family and friends as Alton, was born on October 5, 1945, in Pisgah, Alabama to Roy Cecil and Ruby Pemberton. He was an Army veteran who moved to Florida after serving in Vietnam.

Over the years, he served in law enforcement, worked as a truck driver, was a restaurant owner and a roadway maintenance worker for Polk County. He was a life-long fan of Florida State football.

Alton is survived by his wife, Shirley, and his four children, Cecil Alton Pemberton, Jr. (Bella), Timmy Pemberton (Heather), Candie Morales (Gilbert) and Dustin Pemberton (Danielle), his 23 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Danny Pemberton and sisters Carolyn Golembiewski (Tony), Pat Byrd (Ronnie), and Jean Yeary.

Alton was a strong presence in Polk City and will be missed by many.

Alton's family will have a viewing on Monday, November 13, 2023 at 12:00 p.m., immediately followed by funeral services at 1:00 p.m. at Gentry-Morrison Funeral Home, Southside Chapel, 1727 Bartow Road, Lakeland, Florida. Funeral procession will then follow to Auburndale Memorial Park for a graveside service with military honors.