CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - On May 19, 2021, the Citrus Heights community lost a guiding light with the passing of Cecil Dyer. A longtime Citrus Heights resident, Cecil was a loving husband to Gloria and dedicated father to Cecil Jr., Johanna, Joaquima, Lacretia, and Evan. He was a veteran of the United States army, a youth mentor, and a successful business owner. He opened Cecil’s Hair Salon on Greenback Ln. in 1996 and All Welcome Barber Shop on Mariposa Ave. in 2011.

His family say his true purpose had always been uplifting others, a calling he continued through his ministry at Living Word Christian Fellowship—the church he established on Greenback Ln. in 2014. Ordained as a pastor in 1992, his wife Gloria recalled how he first started his congregation at the barbershop in 1997, praying with clients and offering kind words to those in need.

“He was fully convinced that the greatest contribution he could make in life would be to draw other people to Christ, because that is the key to how we treat people,” said Gloria. “And so he tried to treat other people the way he believed Jesus would, and that is with love, kindness, generosity.”

Cecil would go to great lengths to help someone, often traveling to sick or elderly clients to provide haircuts, prayers, or comfort. Even after his cancer diagnosis, he didn’t slow down. His daughter Joaquima said, “That was his joy in life. It wasn’t work to him. What made him happiest was when he could help people.”

As his health deteriorated, his kindness and positivity never faltered. From the hospital, just days before his passing, he was still making calls to members of the congregation who needed solace or support.  

Daughter Johanna said there has been an outpouring of love from the community, with many expressing gratitude for Cecil’s impact on their lives. “It’s amazing how far and how deep his roots reached in the community.”

The Citrus Heights City Council recently issued a proclamation honoring Cecil’s life and legacy, with Vice Mayor Porsche Middleton sharing a personal comment: “Cecil Dyer had a huge impact on my family when we first moved to Citrus Heights. That was the first barbershop we went to, and we stayed there; we’re still there. He cut my father’s hair, my husband’s hair, my boys’ hair, my mom’s hair, even my hair from time to time. And he’s always been a huge supporter of everything that is great about Citrus Heights and loved to see our community thrive and grow. … He was a very good man, and we are very blessed to have had him in our community.”

Gloria thanked the Council for remembering and honoring her late husband. “This community has just been wonderful to us, and we are so thankful that the City has recognized his value to this town he has loved so much. It was a great privilege for him to serve this community and the many people who came into his shop as well as into our church.”

Gloria and her children remember Cecil often telling people to “keep your shoulders wide,” meaning to keep your chin up and don’t get knocked down. And now, his family holds onto the lessons he taught them as they continue to live by his example. Gloria said, “His legacy will remain a blessing,” both to his family and to all who knew him.