Cerell Metcalfe, a man of dedication, love, honor, and laughter, was born on May 27, 1944. He was the son of the late Ned and Portras Metcalfe. Cerell accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Cedar Grove CME Church in Sulligent, AL where he served as a stuart of his church for many years. He also served as an associate member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Kennedy, AL.

Cerell joined the Tombigbee family in October 1966. Because Cerell believes that 'progress' is a working "process," he became the foreman on the Lineman Crew. Later, when the serviceman position came open, he was prepared to take on this responsibility in the counties of Marion, Fayette, and Lamar for several years. Following the serviceman position, Cerell accepted the Maintenance Foreman position in Marion County.

Cerell has many unforgettable moments at Tombigbee. From the memories of the 1974 dreadful tornado in Guin, AL, to his work during Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana— he always wanted to lend a helping hand.

As a resident of Guin, Cerell took great pride in serving on the Guin City Council for over 16 years. During his service as a council member, He enjoyed meeting people and being part of a council that took pride in the town of Guin. While serving on the City Council, he always listened to the needs of people and did what he could to ensure the council members heard their voices

Cerell's passion was doing anything that involved electricity work. For many years, he ran Metcalfe Electric and worked many days and nights at his "shop" in his scrap iron business, where he saw the fruits of his labor.

He was a loving husband that took great care of his wife. He was a father who instilled in his kids the importance of work, making a "dollar," and giving back to someone else.

Cerell lived a life of laughter where he enjoyed hosting fish fries and cooking the "Christmas ham." He enjoyed spending summer vacations with his family and ensuring that he had "good eating" along the way.

Cerell departed this life on January 20, 2023. He leaves to cherish his wife, Annie Metcalfe, of Kennedy, AL, his daughter, Dr. Elbonie Idowu, son-in-law Joseph Idowu, and his grandbaby, Ella Idowu of Acworth, GA. Also he leaves to cherish his sisters Jackie Bankhead of Sulligent, AL, Flora Cason, Curlie Metcalfe, and brother Troy Metcalfe, of California. Preceding Cerell in death—his son Samuel Elton Metcalfe and his sisters Joyce Derell Mayo, Roylene Lewis, and Marilyn Joyce Metcalfe.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 1:00pm at Sulligent First Baptist Church with graveside services and burial to follow in New Hope Cemetery.  Rev. David Smith to officiate.  Visitation will be held at the church prior to the funeral service from 12:00pm until 1:00pm.

Condolences and special memories may be shared with the family at: www.ottsfuneralhome.net

Otts Funeral Home

Sulligent, AL, Directing