January 21, 2025
AUSTELL, Ga. — On Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, 2024, Reverend Cecil Dutton, age 87, of Austell received his eternal reward. The memorial service was conducted in the chapel of the Carmichael Funeral Home in Smyrna on Dec. 2 with Rev. Paul Williams officiating.
Reverend Dutton was a lifelong resident of Cobb County and held the distinction of serving as the pastor of Second Baptist Church in Smyrna for 51 years.
Few pastors serve one church for more than five decades, but Cecil Dutton was known for being “steadfast, unmovable and always abounding in the work of the Lord.” Every Lord’s Day, Dutton made his way to his church on Atlanta Road in Smyrna, unlocked the doors, adjusted the thermostat, prayed, reviewed his sermon, and waited for the people to come for Bible study and worship.
Those who knew him regarded him as faithful, a model of integrity, and the epitome of a loving leader. Linda Long Stanfield recalled, “I will always remember all the church services, cottage prayer meetings, and the singings we would have. It was the best of times. Cecil was a devoted husband and father, but most of all devoted to his Lord and Savior.”
Mike Williams testified, “Brother Cecil was a true man of God who touched and impacted hundreds if not thousands of lives during his lifetime of service. He was instrumental in growing my personal faith in the Lord and I will be forever grateful to him.”
Dutton was not only a preacher but a singer. He was a member of the Light Brothers Quartet and played the banjo as a part of the musical ensemble. Other members of the quarter were Terry Braswell, J. B. Dutton, and Danny Patrick. The Light Brothers were known for their Southern Gospel songs including “Somebody Loves Me,” “Just a Little Talk with Jesus,” “Brethren, We Have Met to Worship,” and “I’m Using My Bible for a Roadmap.”
As an avocation Cecil Dutton was a member of the Small Engine Club and the Model A Restorers Club where he also served as chaplain.
He is survived by his wife, Jane Dutton of Austell, son and daughter-in-law Tony and Renee Dutton of Temple, Ga., daughter and son-in-law Vicki and Joel Baker of Mableton, Ga., four grandchildren, Hannah Williams (Paul), Jared Dutton, Evan Baker (Evie), and Belinda Maloy (Derek), and ten great-grandchildren.
