of Little Rock, AR

January 31, 1941 - May 2, 2020

Our dad, Cecil F. "Buddy" Tackett, joined Mom in heaven on May 2, 2020. Buddy was born on January 31, 1941 to Jennie Cecil and Carol Tackett. The day his mom brought him home, his sister learned his name and proclaimed, "That's the worst name I've ever heard, I'm calling him Buddy." Bless her!

He is preceded in death by his parents; his beloved sister, Carolyn; first wife, Carol Hencke Tackett, his sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Guy Amsler; and the love of his life, Lucinda.

Memories of this way-to-honest man stay with his daughters, Cindy, Amy and Beth; his sons-in-law, Mark Murphy and Rob Shields; his cherished grandchildren, Jack and Joe Shields, and Zoe Murphy; his niece Cathy Rogers and nephews Guy and Chris Amsler; and his lifelong devoted friends, Jim Hawkins, Johnny Coggins, and Robert Trammel.

Dad shined brightest as a superior athlete. He played both offensive guard and defensive tackle for Little Rock Central when Central was the #1 high school football team in the nation. With a grand amount of perseverance, he earned the prestigious award of All-American, one of eleven given on 1956. Central High closed in 1957 but football continued. Buddy played during what should have been his senior year. After the season ended, he went, with no high school diploma, to the University of Arkansas to play as defensive tackle for the Hogs. With a tear in his eye, Dad said there is nothing in the world like running through the "A" before a game, with a packed house calling the Hogs. Dad lettered at the U of A, finishing his college football career in 1963 on "the team that got them ready." He also finally earned a diploma. Finally. He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity.

Buddy wore many other hats throughout his life. Dad served our great county in the Arkansas National Guard and Army Reserves during Vietnam. He retired with the rank of Major.

Dad also helped Pulaski Academy, from the very beginning, build a football program which has become a powerhouse in our state. He laid the sod, helped build the press box, ran the chains and helped start the weight program, giving his title of Mr. Arkansas some use.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the coveted title of YMCA Indian Princess Chief of the Chippewa Nation where he was proudly known as Big Blizzard, father of Snow Cloud, Snow Flake and Little Blizzard.

Buddy and Lucinda married in May of 1972, combining their families to create a new and improved model. He was always involved in his daughters' lives. He served as counselor to many teens that considered our home, their home. His fabulous daughters know more about football than any girl should.

He adored his three grandchildren and more often and necessary, professed to loving them more than his own girls. Thanks Dad!

Dad was a devoted Catholic and was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church where he assisted with many in the RCIA program. He loved the Eucharist and often dreamt of protecting it. He fittingly took the name Michael at his confirmation.

Dad cherished is wife and would want any memorials sent to Twentieth Century Club, 4011 Maryland Ave, Little Rock, Ar., 72204 for aid with those continuing their valiant fight with cancer.

A private memorial service will be held at Christ The King Catholic Church. You can view the service on Thursday, May 7 at 10:00 A.M. on the Christ The King Catholic Church YouTube channel.


We will miss this larger than life teddy bear forever. Please join me in his last cheer:

"Come on Razorback fans! Let's stand up and CALL THOSE HOGS! WOOO PIG SOOIE!"

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com