Cecil Council

On October 1, 2013, at 4:59 p.m., Dr. Harold Council, age 85, heard the voice of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ say, "You have fought the good fight, you have finished your course, and you have kept your faith; come and receive your crown of righteousness which I give to you, and not only you, but to all those who love my appearing." And as Pastor Harold Council took his Lord's hand he heard, "Well done thou good and faithful servant; enter thou unto the joy of thy Lord."

Dr. Harold Council was the Founder and Pastor of Southland Baptist Temple here in Paducah from 1953 until 2005. Even though he retired, he really never stopped serving the people of Paducah. His words, "you can't retire from the Lord's work." Bro. Harold was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting, fishing and his family trips to Branson, Mo. He was a member of Quails Unlimited and was an excellent marksman. He was a Kentucky Colonel and served his country in the United States Air Force.

He leaves behind his loving and caring wife of 66 years, Sue Gates Council; one daughter, Sherri Jeffords and husband David of Paducah; two sons, the Rev. Topper Council and wife Glorious of Reidland and Nat Council and wife Patti of Arizona; six grandchildren, Thad Council and wife Amy of Paducah, Missy Council of Nashville, Tenn., Jarrod Council and wife Jennifer of Arizona, MaSherra Athenas and husband Martin of Boaz, Brea Freeman and husband Bryan of West Paducah, and Kayla Downs of Arizona; seven great-grandchildren, Chelsey Council, Conner Council, Isaac Council, Braxton Freeman, Brennan Freeman, Brady Freeman and MaKinna Athenas.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, October 4, 2013, at 7 p.m. at Southland Baptist Temple with the Rev. Jimmy Franks, the Rev. Wes Conner, and the Rev. Topper Council officiating. A private family entombment will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2013, at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be given to the memorial chapel in memory of Rev. Harold Council being erected at the Southland Ranch. Memorials may be mailed to Southland Baptist Temple, 927 Yarbro Lane, Paducah, KY 42003.

Friends may call at the church from 3 p.m. Friday, October 4, 2013, until the funeral hour.

Keeling Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online messages may be sent to: keelingfamilyfuneralhome.com

As you have signed many times Bro. Harold, we now sign your register book, Jeremiah 33-3, Call unto me and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. Till we meet again.

Read more: The Paducah Sun - Dr Harold Council