Bro. Cecil Dowling Runner, age 86, of Big Clifty, KY, passed away Friday, (March 31, 2023) at Baptist Health Louisville.

He was born on December 15, 1936 in Bowling Green, KY, the son of the late Cecil Walton Runner and Dorothy Margaret Savage Runner.

He was a Southern Baptist minister, being ordained at the age of 17. He had pastored many churches throughout Kentucky. He was a past member of the KY National Guard during the Viet Nam Conflict. He was also a KY Colonel. On September 5, 1956, he married his great love and faithful companion, Bettye Jo Page Runner. He loved to do woodworking, fish, and was an avid artist who loved to draw. He loved his children and grandchildren dearly. Each year he would dress up as Santa Claus, surprise the grandchildren, and put big smiles on their faces.

He is survived by his children, Valarie Akridge (John) of Big Clifty, Charles Runner (Angela) of Shepherdsville, and Carl Runner (Marcia) of Central City; nine  grandchildren,  Jeremy, Billy, Annette, Kaci, Patrick, Jacob, Joseph, Joshua, and Krystal; nine great-grandchildren,  Madison, Devan, Jordan, Brody, Jazmine, Ezabella, Billy, Summer, and Donavan.

Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Bettye Jo Page Runner; grandson, Billy Akridge, and sister, Linda Faye Wilkins.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, (April 6, 2023) at the Dermitt Funeral Home in Leitchfield.  Burial will be in the Clarkson Cemetery.

Visitation will be at the Dermitt Funeral Home from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday and from 9:00 a.m. Thursday until time of services.