July 20, 1936 ~ May 8, 2026 (age 89)
William Cecil Starr, Sr, 89, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026, peacefully at his home in Auburn. Cecil was born on July 20, 1936, at the family home on Beehive, to Floyd T. & Eva Maye Starr. He and his older brother, Terry Starr, were their only children. Cecil held an especially close relationship with his mother, whom he admired and loved dearly. He and his mother will spend this Mother’s Day together for the first time since 1970.
Cecil served in the army, spending much of his service at Fort Polk in Louisiana. During that time, he met William “Bill” Young, who remained a lifelong friend.
Cecil will be remembered for his entrepreneurial spirit, that began at a young age. This spirit led him to various business ventures over his lifetime. From manufacturing mechanical bulls sent all over the world to construction to farming to real estate, there was nothing that Cecil could not accomplish that he set his mind to. Cecil was a visionary and prided his self with being able to “see around corners.” One of his first business ventures was selling boats on Opelika Road. Cecil and Terry were an integral part of helping their father build “Starr’s Trailer Town” in 1958. Cecil began his career in trucking and construction by opening “Starr Haulers.”
Cecil married the love of his life, Martha Jean, on October 14, 1967. Together, they had three sons: Guy, Buck & Pat. Cecil and Martha Jean, together, built a legacy through hard work and dedication.
In 1969, Cecil and his uncle, Jim Starr, began working in disaster cleanup during Hurricane Camille. He assisted numerous communities across the coast throughout his lifetime. During this same time, Cecil began building mobile home parks, the first being Gentilly Mobile Home Park in Auburn. Over the years, he prided himself on providing families affordable housing for students attending Auburn University. Many lifelong friendships originated from these real estate ventures.
Cecil loved all things farming and animals. During his lifetime, he raised numerous types of animals: his favorites being registered Brahman Cattle and Palomino horses. Even in the late 70s, he was always focused on utilizing new farming technology. He served as the President of Lee County Cattleman’s Association. In his later years, Cecil enjoyed watching the creation and development of Choctafaula. He could frequently be found sitting in his favorite chair looking at each new animal addition out his window. Above all else, he instilled a lasting love and respect for animals to his family.
Cecil will be remembered for his zest for life and wit. He loved his family and loved many of his friends like family. Cecil loved to mentor his sons to accomplish their dreams and aspirations. He loved to mentor anyone that would listen. Cecil Starr loved people.
Cecil was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd & Eva Maye, & his brother Terry Starr (Pete). He is survived by Martha Jean Starr; sons, Guy (Sharon) Starr, Buck (Tracie) Starr, Pat (Stephanie) Starr; grandchildren, Jordan (Deanna) Marable, Drs. Ashton (Will) Ruffin, Kyle (Grace) Cherry, Savannah (Ryan) Gill, Patrick (Ashley) Starr, Anna Lynn Starr, Conner Starr, Abbie (David) Harbarger, Allie Starr; Great-grandchildren, Kirklynn & Easton Marable; Levi, Faith, Ava, Belle & Hope Ruffin; Alaina Cherry; David Gill; Keegan Bowles & Kinslee Spurlock.
The family would like to thank his caregivers for their dedication and love: Gale Poole, Laneeshala McCullough, Chavala Johnson & Niquitha Dawson.
Visitation with the family will take place on Tuesday, May 12 from 5:30-7:30 pm CST at Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home in Opelika, AL. A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, May 13th at noon at Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home with graveside immediately following at Garden Hills Cemetery in Opelika, AL.
Pallbearers are Kyle Sims, Seth Taylor, Jim Hovey, Jerry Love, Kenny Kyser & Lance Eddins.
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