Cecil Ray Leavitt

On Sunday, September 1, 2024, on what would have been his mother’s 108th birthday, Cecil Ray Leavitt passed from the mortal portion of this earthly experience to the embrace of family on the other side of the veil. He left here a large family full of many good and happy memories. Over his 86 years Cecil had filled his days with a great variety of interests and skills and experiences, but was apparently ready to move on for new experiences where he will no doubt continue to express his feelings with the same conviction and confidence. 

 His departure came after a rapid decline in health. It was only a few months ago he was supervising family members in his pomegranate orchard, and then a few short weeks ago he began to suffer from puzzling pain in his back and neck. Initially the pains were suspected to be caused by arthritis or a pinched nerve, but subsequent medical procedures revealed something far more invasive and threatening. The awareness of aggressive cancer shocked the family, and put them into immediate motion to care for their father and mother. Cecil took the grim news with a stoic and uncertain acceptance of what was inevitable, but with full faith in God’s eternal plan. 

Bunkerville was home for Cecil. He was born on June 22,1938 in St George, Utah, but home was Nevada and Bunkerville. He left for schooling and a mission, and lived eight years in Las Vegas, but as soon as he could, he returned with his family to the world he knew and loved best. For forty years he traveled daily into Las Vegas, 28 of those years as an accountant for Max Riggs Construction, but he was always happy at the end of the day to set his compass toward Bunkerville, the home that had been the school ground for his recreation, family devotion, religious commitment, and community service. He loved home. He loved the people of home. 

 He also had a great affinity for politics and knew what he believed as well as how to defend his beliefs. America and the American flag were bound to his heart, and he spoke of freedom in practical and real terms. He was not moved by high-sounding phrases, but was instead committed to personal responsibility and individual commitment. And he was of the nature to speak his mind and that with boldness. 

He believed in work and believed in service. He started doing taxes in 1963 and took care of clients until 2011 when he turned the practice over to Benjamin, one of his sons. His life was a witness that he believed that action was the real evidence of belief. For 36 years he was the Justice of Peace in Bunkerville, giving ample evidence of his understanding of the law, and that he had a nice balance between mercy and hard-nosed adherence to the book. He served several times on the Bunkerville Town Board and the board of the Virgin Valley Water District, and was heavily involved in the Virgin Valley Booster Club for years. In fact, he was the voice of the Bulldogs for basketball and football from 1971 to 1997. 

There was also something very personal about his service. He gave to people in need in quiet ways, evidence of a generous heart. For years the 4th of July racers got a popsicle plus a prize because his pocketbook was open, and widows or missionaries received assistance that stretched his pocketbook. He also took into his home foreign exchange students and children of family members, youth and teenagers, who were struggling in those youthful and difficult transitions of their lives. 

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he fit comfortably in the Young Men’s leadership when he was young, and later moved easily to serve on the high council, in bishoprics, and as the bishop of Bunkerville 1st ward. He thought for himself, and led and taught in his way and after his manner, which was to help people solve their own problems and to lift them to a life of hope. He believed in a God of mercy and a God who blessed those who worked at deserving blessings. 

His love of his hometown, his gratitude for the larger Leavitt family, his excitement about basketball or fishing were only subordinated to a greater devotion, a more permanent devotion. That was to his high school sweetheart, Carol Waite, and to their nine children and their families. Their home was full of energy and stories and friends. It was a world in itself and it reflected those commitments to work and service and love. 

As a young elder, Cecil served a mission in Oakland, California from 1958 to 1960. He and Carol married in October of 1960, and they lived a busy life, rearing children and making a living. After his retirement, they served missions in Johannesburg, South Africa for 23 months and for 18 months in Cleveland, Ohio. For six years the two of them also rose very early on Saturday mornings and served as ordinance workers in the St George Temple. It has been a busy life, a family-oriented, community-oriented life. So ends the mortal life of Cecil Ray Leavitt, but not the influence. His “footprint in the sands of time” has affected many, and through his children and grandchildren he will yet bring a Leavitt energy to hundreds, then thousands of people. 

He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Lorin and Ethel Leavitt; by two sisters, Sheila Anderson and Gloria Gregerson; and one brother, David Allen Leavitt. He is survived by his wife, Carol; a brother, Danny Leavitt (Sharon); two sisters, Judy Laub (Erik) and Myrna Miller (Steve); his nine children: Denice Jensen (Richard), Kenyon Ray Leavitt (Marianne), Sheree Gleave (John), Brent Leavitt (Lynette), Michael Leavitt (Angela), Kristine Bingham (Brian), Rebekah Lines (Spencer), Benjamin Leavitt (Sarah), and Joshua Leavitt (Lara); 45 grandchildren, and 55 great grandchildren, with one coming soon.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the missionary fund at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

Lives steam of services will be from the church in the link below with the Bunkerville First Ward.  We will also Star Mortuary via their Facebook page.