Cecil Emmette Stanfield was the son of Cecil Abram Metzger Stanfield and Rachel Amelia Hammett.

Cecil graduated from Tulsa Central High School in 1936. He earned his bachelor's degree in architecture from Oklahoma State University and later served as a Captain in the Army Air Corps during World War II. On September 3, 1968 in Nowata County, Oklahoma, Cecil married Ramona Sue Shaw. He was a partner in Architecture Unlimited and a former president of Stanfield, Elliott and Associates. Cecil designed the Diamond Towers at 17th Street and Boulder Avenue and the RD Hull Mansion east of Tulsa. He also designed several buildings for Oral Roberts University. He was a member of the American Institute of Architects, the Board of Governors of Licensed Architects and the National Council of Architectural Registration Board. Cecil was a co-founder of the Tulsa Orchid Society. He received the Youth Service Award from the Kiwanis Club of Tulsa and was a charter member of the John Knox Presbyterian Church.

Cecil is survived by his wife, five daughters, one brother and one granddaughter.