Cecil is survived by his six children and their spouses, as well as sixteen grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Contents. "The book will be published within a couple months and will be an awesome read. "To acknowledge George Cecil as the founding father of WNC Communities, while significant, is pale in comparison to his personal contribution to Western North Carolina through his 71 years of leadership, generosity and wise counsel," Ward wrote. During World War II, Cecil served as an officer in the British Royal Navy, spending most of his duty in north Africa and Gibraltar. The Cecils sold the dairy operations in 1985, with Biltmore Farms becoming a multi-faceted community development company focusing on commercial and retail properties, residential communities, home building and hotels. George Cecil and his younger brother, William, would eventually inherit the Estate and all its holdings, including Biltmore Farms, one of the largest and most successful dairy operations in the Southeast, and Biltmore House, America's largest home. On his father's side, he is a … ASHEVILLE – George Henry Vanderbilt Cecil, a member of the famed Vanderbilt family who headed the Biltmore Farms development company for decades, died … He was the grandson of George Washington Vanderbilt II, and the great-grandson of William Henry Vanderbilt. George Henry Vanderbilt Cecil (born February 27, 1925) is the owner and operator of Biltmore Farms.He is the first of two sons born to John Francis Amherst Cecil (1890–1954) and Cornelia Stuyvesant Vanderbilt (1900–1976) and is the grandson of George Washington Vanderbilt II, the founder of the Biltmore Estate.He was educated in Europe and served in the Royal Navy during World War II. George Henry Vanderbilt Cecil (grandson) William Amherst Vanderbilt Cecil (grandson) Family: Vanderbilt Net worth: Under Review. the largest investment and new jobs announcement in the history of Western North Carolina, William A.V. George and William were educated abroad in Switzerland and England, but always returned home to Biltmore for holidays and summer vacations. "His legacy will be an inspiration for many in years to come.". More:How will Biltmore Estate handle the transition to new owners? Some George Washington Vanderbilt II images. William Henry Vanderbilt III (1901–1981) Frederick Vanderbilt Field (1905–2000) Amy Vanderbilt (1908–1974) Alfred G. Vanderbilt II (1912–1999) George Washington Vanderbilt III (1914–1961) Gloria Vanderbilt (1924–) George Henry Vanderbilt Cecil (1925–) William Amherst Vanderbilt Cecil (1928–) Biltmore Farms had continued to grow under George's management, transforming it into 1925-2-27 George Henry Vanderbilt Cecil George Henry Vanderbilt Cecil (born February 27, 1925) is the owner and operator of Biltmore Farms. "And not only just having a family, but a strong family based on lots of love and respect," she said. ", Ward said he presented to Cecil an autographed prototype of the book in recent weeks. Henry Cecil Death – Obituary | Dead – Passed Away. George Henry Vanderbilt Cecil was an American businessman who was the owner and chairman of Biltmore Farms. He was 95 years old. My parents instilled in every one of us this strong sense of giving back to our communities.". The Family, friends, and loved ones are in total Shock at George Henry Vanderbilt Cecil‘s Death causing so much heartbreak to the beloved family. This just happened to be what we were born into.". "He would want to be most remembered, not because of his lineage," said Jack Cecil, George Cecil's son and President of Biltmore Farms, "But because of the humility and the love of fellow mankind he had, and his vision for what he hoped WNC would become. George Henry Vanderbilt Cecil was born in Biltmore House in 1925. ", "It documents the early and continuous involvement of George over these many years," Ward said. Ward said local writer Jay Fields is in the process of completing a historical account of WNC Communities, "In Pursuit of Greater Good. By. Cecil is also survived by his brother, George Henry Vanderbilt Cecil, 92, who headed the Biltmore Farms development company for decades. Other notable agricultural initiatives of WNC Communities include the WNC Farmers Market; the WNC Agricultural Center; the Mountain State Fair; the N.C. State Horticulture Crops Research Station; The North Carolina Arboretum; the WNC Regional Livestock Market; The Hemlock Restoration Initiative; the I- 26 corridor from Madison County into Tennessee and numerous others, Ward added. Read More Posts navigation. Early life Edit He was the younger son of John Francis Amherst Cecil (1890–1954) and Cornelia Stuyvesant Vanderbilt (1900–1976). Ward wrote in a dedication to Cecil, which he shared with the Citizen Times. He is the first of two sons born to John Francis Amherst Cecil (1890–1954) and Cornelia Stuyvesant Vanderbilt (1900–1976) and is the grandson of George Washington Vanderbilt II , the founder of the Biltmore Estate .” Among the organizational accomplishments over the 71 years is an effective rural community development program, which lifted up a total of 461 communities through what Ward called "self-help programs to improve community life.". He is the first of two sons born to John Francis Amherst Cecil (1890–1954) and Cornelia Stuyvesant Vanderbilt (1900–1976) and is the grandson of George Washington Vanderbilt II, the founder of the Biltmore … Key data; FAQ; Gender: M: Estimated date of birth: 27-Feb-1925: Estimated age: 95 years 312 days: Find matching names. George Henry Vanderbilt Cecil, beloved husband of Nancy Owen Cecil for sixty-one years, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, October 19, 2020, surrounded by his six children and overlooking the beautiful fall splendor of the garden where he and Nancy spent so much of their joyous life together. Facebook. It was so important to him.”. Hudson - October 25, 2020. When not in their garden, he and Nancy traveled the world together, often with their six children, and they made countless return trips to England and Switzerland reuniting with family and friends. Cecil, who spoke four languages, was known for his curiosity about the world, his family said in his obituary, his love for history and facts, appreciation of community and friends, humility, and recognition for the needs of others and love of family. During his lifetime Cecil served on numerous boards including Carolina Power & Light, Multimedia Communications, First Union National Bank, UNC Hospitals, North Carolina Medical Care Commission and Memorial Mission Hospital. Biltmore Farms had continued to grow under George's management, transforming it into a profitable real estate business that serves the Asheville area.[3][4]. He was the grandson of George Washington Vanderbilt II and great-grandson of William Henry Vanderbilt and a second cousin of Gloria Vanderbilt. Generations: Ascendants. "My parents put an enormous amount of effort into ensuring our childhood was as normal as that of any other child our age," she said. 0. [6], Mary Rothes Margaret Cecil, Baroness Amherst of Hackney, William Tyssen-Amherst, 1st Baron Amherst of Hackney, "Executive Team – Biltmore Farms, LLC Asheville NC", "In Asheville, a Vanderbilt Sets Sights Beyond Tourism", "Biltmore's Cecil Family Inspires Student Leaders", "George Cecil, Vanderbilt's grandson and Biltmore Farms owner, dies at 95", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=George_Henry_Vanderbilt_Cecil&oldid=989352358, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 18 November 2020, at 14:18. Discover the family tree of George Henry Vanderbilt Cecil for free, and learn about their family history and their ancestry. Responsible for some of Asheville's most significant developments and economic boons, most recently as a partner in the largest investment and new jobs announcement in the history of Western North Carolina just this week, Cecil, his children say, should be known as  more than a businessman or a Vanderbilt. "We learned responsibility very early on, and we learned humility very early on. All rights reserved. That … George Henry Vanderbilt Cecil (born February 27, 1925) is the owner and operator of Biltmore Farms. That’s how we should give back to a community that’s been so good to us. John Francis Amherst Cecil and Cornelia Stuyvesant Vanderbilt, and a grandson of both George W. Vanderbilt and of Lord William Cecil, was born on … As children, she said, their dad would take all six siblings skiing at Cataloochee every weekend. Biography; Ancestry; References; Biography. The two grandsons of George Washington Vanderbilt had inherited the estate and were ready to continue the legacy of splendor and self-sufficiency. listing. At the age of 7 George Cecil and his younger brother, William, moved to Europe, living between England and Switzerland. It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of George Henry Vanderbilt Cecil (Asheville, North Carolina), who passed away on October 19, 2020, at the age of 95, leaving to mourn family and friends. "His 'country' was Western North Carolina," he said, "And everything he did, he wanted to leave it better than he found it.". Nov 1, 2018 - This Pin was discovered by Niki S. Discover (and save!) Cecil, George Henry Vanderbilt. Cecil, married to Nancy Owen Cecil for 61 years, died peacefully surrounded by his six children, according to his obituary. "That’s what drove him," Cecil said. Cornelia and her husband were married in 1924 and took over management of the property in 1929. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Ward said Cecil directly impacted the lives of hundreds of college freshmen with scholarship funds. ", "George’s contribution to improving the quality of life for mountain folks is unmatched," he continued. Biography/Timeline. Your Prayers are needed for the family & loved ones of the deceased for the great loss, we are yet to observed the deceased obituary. ", More:Biltmore will be open for fall and Christmas seasons, releases fall color forecast. George Henry Vanderbilt Cecil (born February 27, 1925) is the owner and operator of Biltmore Farms. “George Henry Vanderbilt Cecil (born February 27, 1925) is the owner and operator of Biltmore Farms. "We would depart early morning and arrive back home just in time for dinner - exhausted, but so happy that we had just spent the entire day with Dad doing the thing he loved most from his childhood.". [3] Leaving the estate for his younger brother William Amherst Vanderbilt Cecil, George chose to take ownership of Biltmore Farms which, at the time, was much more profitable. George Henry Vanderbilt Cecil (February 27, 1925 – October 19, 2020) was an American businessman who was the owner and chairman of Biltmore Farms. Cecil, Vanderbilt's grandson and Biltmore owner, dead at 89. He is the first of two sons born to John Francis Amherst Cecil (1890–1954) and Cornelia Stuyvesant Vanderbilt (1900–1976) and is the grandson of George Washington Vanderbilt II, the founder of the Biltmore Estate. Edith Cecil said she believed it was both a strong work ethic and sense of the importance of family that brought her parents together to begin with. On Aug. 21, Cecil was presented the Ambassador of Agriculture Award from N.C. Commissioner of Agriculture, Steve Troxler. George Henry Vanderbilt Cecil Funeral, Obituary, Service, Notices, Death: George Henry Vanderbilt Cecil Passed away on October, 2020, You can send your sympathy in the comment provided and share. WhatsApp. "And more importantly, this strong sense of not only understanding who you are and where you come from, but the importance of giving back to your community and those that are less fortunate. Log in to add your anonymous rating. Cecil was a direct descendant of both William Henry Vanderbilt and, on his father's side, William Cecil, the chief adviser to Queen Elizabeth I in the 16th century, through his grandparents, Lord William Cecil and Mary Rothes Margaret Cecil, Baroness Amherst of Hackney. A passion of George Cecil was the development and growth of Biltmore Dairy Farms, which under his direction grew to become one of the south’s largest full-service dairy companies. 1879. He married Nancy Owen Cecil and together they had six children: John ("Jack") F. A. V. Cecil,[2][5] Edith Ann Cecil, Catherine Cecil Taylor, Margaret Cecil Sinnott, Louisa Cecil Harrison, and Christopher Cecil. "He was the longest serving board member with his more than 71 years of service without retiring," WNC Communities Vice President L.T. Cecil, Vanderbilt's grandson and Biltmore owner, dead at 89, Biltmore will be open for fall and Christmas seasons, releases fall color forecast, 'Project Ranger': $650m project marks largest new jobs announcement in Asheville history. Of his professional legacy, Jack Cecil recalled a tale from before his or his father's time, dating back to the family's origins in the mountains. YouTube Encyclopedic. George Henry Vanderbilt Cecil (born 27 February 1925) is the owner and operator of Biltmore Farms.He is the first of two sons born to John Francis Amherst Cecil (1890 – 1954) and Cornelia Stuyvesant Vanderbilt (1900 – 1976) and is the grandson of George Washington Vanderbilt II, the founder of the Biltmore Estate.He was educated in Europe and served in the Royal Navy during World War II. Needham Funeral Service – London. "Once we sold Biltmore Dairy Farms  we were left with some anchorage, some significant property," Jack Cecil said, "and at the end of the day we said, 'We want to put the land to use in order to improve the lives of the people of WNC. George Henry Vanderbilt Cecil (born February 27, 1925) is the owner and operator of Biltmore Farms.. John Francis Amherst Cecil and Cornelia Stuyvesant Vanderbilt, and a grandson of both George W. Vanderbilt and of Lord William Cecil, George Cecil was born Feb. 27, 1925 at Biltmore House. That’s him. 14. After George Vanderbilt's death in 1914, Biltmore Estate was held in trust for George and Edith Vanderbilt's only child, Cornelia Stuyvesant Vanderbilt. "You can't change that that's what you were born into," said Edith of her famous family. "He would make sure we were dressed warmly, had our lace-up ski boots secured, gathered the necessary equipment and had the picnic lunch packed and piled into the family station wagon," Cecil said. "His priority in his life has always been his family," Jack Cecil said. "When I joined him [in the company], he told me that was our goal. His great great grandfather was railroad and steamship baron, Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt. "By unanimous decision of our board of directors, the book has been affectionately dedicated to George H. V. ", Especially through the formative years, Cecil said “There was just a tremendous effort when we were together to make it very special family time. For Edith Cecil, that's manifested in a lifetime of working in the not-for-profit sector. Sep 8, 2017 - George Henry Vanderbilt Cecil - (1st son of Cornelia) Biltmore Dairy - Biltmore Farms In 1984, Jack Cecil returned to work alongside his father, serving in various capacities until being named President and CEO of Biltmore Farms in 1992. 506. "There’s a story about Gifford Pinchot, the initial forester who traveled with my great-great Grandfather [George Vanderbilt], say around 1895. That’s the true him. Views: 13 428. "Thinking through how to use the land, and he had it as a tool for healthcare, for education, for jobs, so that everyone has the opportunity to support their families in the way that they hope to.". Upon the death of his mother, Cornelia Stuyvesant Vanderbilt, George was given the choice of taking over Biltmore Farms (the family dairy) or the Estate. After the sale, George Cecil's love of agriculture and rural Western North Carolina never faded, his family said, and he co-founded the Western North Carolina Communities organization in 1949. Webb-site users rate this person as follows: Users Average (0-5) Relatives. More:William A.V. John and Cornelia chose to reside at Biltmore, where they had two sons: George Henry Vanderbilt Cecil (born in 1925), and William Amherst Vanderbilt Cecil (born in 1928). Both boys were born in the Louis XV room of Biltmore like their mother, and were also raised on the estate. The Cecil family kept the estate as a family residence until 1958 and in 1960, William Amherst Vanderbilt Cecil left a high profile banking job in New York to join George Henry Vanderbilt Cecil in the running of Biltmore. Memorial Funeral Home – London. Three years later in 1928, William Amherst Vanderbilt Cecil was born in Biltmore House. William Amherst Vanderbilt Cecil (born 17 August 1928) is the younger son of John Francis Amherst Cecil (1890 – 1954) and Cornelia Stuyvesant Vanderbilt (1900 – 1976). O’Neil Funeral Home (London) Ltd. – London . your own Pins on Pinterest You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. Cecil. ASHEVILLE – George Henry Vanderbilt Cecil, a member of the famed Vanderbilt family who headed the Biltmore Farms development company for decades, died at home Oct. 19. Two years later, the Biltmore Company was formed to manage the estate. Recognizing the need for quality health care in the western North Carolina region, they supported many aspects of the hospital, including the creation of the neo-natal intensive care unit and the chapel at Mission’s Health SECU Cancer Center. "But the most important thing was that we're no different than any other human. [1][2], George was the first of two sons born to John Francis Amherst Cecil (1890–1954) and Cornelia Stuyvesant Vanderbilt (1900–1976) and was the grandson of George Washington Vanderbilt II, the founder of the Biltmore Estate. William Cecil was the younger son of John Francis Amherst Cecil (1890–1954) and Cornelia Stuyvesant Vanderbilt (1900–1976). He was educated in Europe, attended the University of Edinburgh, and served in the Royal Navy during World War II. "Keeping us close, his devotion to his family - that is who he was.". Due to COVID-19 restrictions and associated health precautions, a private ceremony with his children, their spouses, and grandchildren, will take place at the Cathedral of All Souls on Saturday, October 31. Count Generation, name, (birth - death) 1: 1 Cecil, John Francis Amherst … "Notwithstanding the fact that George never wanted to be in the limelight or on the radar, he was inducted into the WNC Agricultural Hall of Fame in 1997, presented The Order of the Long Leaf Pine by the Governor of North Carolina in 2015, during his 90th birthday celebration," Ward said. Keeping us close, his devotion to his family, '' ward said in his life has always his! Patrons to Memorial Mission Hospital first son, john F. A. V. Cecil a great loss was known...: Under george henry vanderbilt cecil according to his family, but a strong family on... Biltmore owner, Dead at 89 in Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina, William Amherst Cecil... 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