Cecil Hubbard

Cecil E. Hubbard, 70, of Dayton, Ohio, passed away on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, with his family by his side. 

Born in Harlan, Kentucky, on May 28, 1956, to Leander and Susanna (Phillips) Hubbard, Cecil attended Harlan High School and Eastern Kentucky University, majoring in horticulture. He started in retail at 18 and quickly worked his way up to store manager, building a 37-year career with several major retailers. That career took him from Kentucky to North Carolina and eventually to New Philadelphia, Ohio, before he retired in 2011. His employees loved working for him, and his kids loved stopping by the store in the evenings, where he would let them push the giant broom up and down the aisles to help clean up before everyone headed home. 

At Eastern Kentucky, Cecil met the love of his life, Lynne, and they shared 48 years of marriage. They loved picnics and traveling to visit family. Together they raised two children, Derek and Kara, and Cecil was always there for them. He and Lynne volunteered to create the elementary school yearbook for a couple of years, and he made it to as many dance recitals, marching band performances, choir concerts, and competitions as he possibly could. His grandchildren, Addison and Reese, were the light of his life, and he was always eager for their next visit so he could hear all about their activities and current achievements.

Cecil was happiest by a fire, whether on the patio or inside in his big, blue, comfy recliner, where he was almost always sharing the seat with one or more of his dogs: Dillion, Duke, and Sofi. Music of just about every kind earned a spot in his playlist, especially classic rock and country, and when the games were on, he was always cheering for the Buckeyes, plus the Dayton Flyers and the Akron Zips (as long as they weren’t playing the Buckeyes). 

He was preceded in death by his parents and his eldest brother, Andy “H” Hubbard. He leaves behind his wife, Lynne (Rodencal) Hubbard; his son, Derek (Sarah) Hubbard; his daughter, Kara (David Hausfeld) Hubbard; and his grandchildren, Addison and Reese Hubbard. He is also survived by his siblings Jean Russell, Hester (the late Bill) Blanton, Norma (Jim) Peters, and Tony Hubbard; his sister-in-law Erika (the late Andy “H”) Hubbard; numerous nieces and nephews; several special cousins; and many other family members and friends. 

Whenever you settle in by a fire, turn up a song you love, or make room in the chair for a favorite four-legged friend, the family hopes you’ll think of Cecil. 

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Newcomer Funeral Home in Centerville, Ohio. A memorial service will begin at 1:00 pm at the funeral home, followed by burial at Valley View Memorial Gardens. 

In place of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton. To share memories or leave a message for the family, please visit the online guestbook