Cecil Eric Locke

Cecil Eric Locke, born February 2, 1968, in Pascagoula, Mississippi, passed away surrounded by his loving family on April 8, 2025, in Covington, Louisiana. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and man of faith, he was dedicated to serving others. Cecil served as Pastor at Centenary Methodist Church in Franklinton, Louisiana from June 2021 until his death. He served faithfully as a pastor and minister to his congregations, offering spiritual guidance, wisdom, and compassion to all who knew him. His sermons were filled with hope, his prayers brought comfort, and his leadership left a lasting impact on countless lives. Cecil was one of five sons born to Judson Singley Locke, Jr. and Sandra Louise Locke of Pascagoula, Mississippi.

After graduating from Pascagoula High School and attending Mississippi State University, Cecil enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served in support of Operation Desert Sheild/Storm. He served his country from 1989 until 1993 and was honorably discharged from active service. After his discharge, Cecil spent fourteen years in law enforcement, beginning as a correctional officer at the Harrison County Adult Detention Center, and then as a bailiff, patrol officer and detective with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department. In 2007, Cecil felt the call to ministry and accepted an appointment as a bi-vocational licensed local pastor. In 2008, he surrendered completely to God’s call to ministry and began his service as a full-time pastor. He served in the capacity of a licensed local pastor until 2023 when he was ordained as a Deacon in the Global Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife of twenty-three years, Brenda Cook Locke, son Tyler Carter (wife Hannah Carter), and daughter AnaMarie Locke, two cherished grandsons Mason Carter and Monroe Carter, his mother Sandra Louise Locke, and three brothers David Locke (wife Lisa Locke), Michael Locke (wife Donna Locke) and Larry Locke. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews who will remember him with love. He was preceded in death by his father, Judson Singley Locke, Jr. and his eldest brother Judson Singley Locke, III. Cecil loved his family and his church. He was a die-hard Mississippi State University sports fan and loyally supported his beloved MSU Bulldogs. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and boat rides to the islands. He loved the beach and the smell of the salty air. The beach was his happy place.

A memorial service will be held in celebration of Cecil’s life on April 12, 2025, at Centenary Methodist Church located at 1015 Cleveland Street, Franklinton, Louisiana with visitation beginning at 12:30 p.m. and the service at 1:00 p.m. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall. Cecil’s legacy of faith, love and service will live on in all who were blessed to know him.