Cecil Nello Coble, Jr. was born to Nellie Brewington Coble and Cecil Nello Coble, Sr. on October 3, 1937 in Raleigh, North Carolina. He arrived in this world 15 months after the birth of his sister Anna. The two children were very close and their bond lasted well into their senior years. Cecil was educated in the public school system of Raleigh and upon graduation, entered Saint Augustine's College, which happened to be across the street from his home. He graduated from Saint Augustine's with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Studies. After graduation, Cecil taught in the public school system of Raleigh for one year. At the end of that year, he was drafted by the U. S. Army. He served his country in South Korea and upon the completion of his tour of duty, was Honorably Discharged. When Cecil returned to Raleigh, he started studying law. He enrolled in the Blackstone School of Law and received his law degree in December 1969. After Cecil's father died, he moved in with his sister, Anna and her husband, Kirk. Anna predeceased Cecil in March 2009. Cecil leaves behind a half-sister, Mary Lee Coble; a half-brother, Dennis Coble; a brother-in-law, Kirk Mullen and several nieces and nephews.