Cen Dai

Cen Dai was born on April 14, 1979, in Zhuzhou, Hunan Province, China. He lived a life defined by quiet excellence, unwavering responsibility, and deep devotion to those he loved.

He was raised in a family that held education, integrity, and service as core values. His father, Jun Tao Dai, served as Party Secretary at the Zhuzhou Gear Factory, and his mother, Han Li, was an elementary school teacher. In a household that balanced discipline with warmth, Cen developed the character traits that would guide him throughout his life—diligence, self-discipline, humility, and a strong sense of duty.

From a young age, Cen displayed exceptional intellectual ability, excelling particularly in mathematics and English. He attended the honors program at Zhuzhou No. 2 High School, one of Hunan Province’s key secondary schools. In 1997, he was admitted to Xiangtan University, where he studied Information and Computational Science in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, graduating in 2001. His rigorous training in logic and analytical thinking laid a strong foundation for his future work in software engineering.

In 2011, Cen married Ke Liao in Xiangtan, Hunan Province. Together they welcomed a son, Mengde Dai. Family was always at the center of Cen’s life. Though reserved by nature, he was a deeply devoted husband and a steady, reliable father—someone whose love was expressed through responsibility, consistency, and quiet care. Within the family, he was a pillar of strength

In 2015, Cen moved to the United States to pursue advanced education. He studied at Maharishi University of Management and later at Maharishi International University, where he earned a Master’s degree in Computer Science and an MBA with a concentration in Information Systems. Known for his seriousness of purpose, strong academic performance, and willingness to help others, he earned the respect of professors and classmates alike.

Cen went on to build a long and accomplished career in software engineering in the United States. He worked with organizations including CEM Technologies, Apex Systems, Worldwide Express, Alliance Data Card Services, and G2O. Over the course of his career, he contributed to projects involving globally recognized institutions such as Honda, Walmart (Walmart Labs), Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, and FIFA. His professionalism, patience, and integrity made him a trusted colleague and collaborator.

Those who knew Cen remember his radiant smile and gentle presence. He was warm, open, and sincere—focused, hardworking, and deeply responsible. Quick-witted and quietly humorous, he never sought attention, yet naturally earned respect through his character. Whether in his family or in his professional life, he was someone others could rely on.

In 2024, Cen was diagnosed with glioblastoma. Faced with this sudden and devastating illness, he met it with resilience and remarkable composure. He endured three surgeries, forty rounds of radiation therapy, and numerous courses of chemotherapy, never relinquishing his respect for life or his determination to persevere. Throughout this long and painful journey, his wife remained steadfastly by his side, walking with him through the most difficult moments with love and courage.

After being diagnosed with brain cancer in 2024, Cen entered a period of deep reflection and spiritual seeking. In November 2024, shortly before Thanksgiving, Cen and his wife, Ke Liao, were baptized together at the Columbus Chinese Christian Church, committing their lives to the Lord. Despite his illness, he faithfully continued to participate in online Bible studies and courageously shared his testimony, bearing witness to God’s gracious and wonderful work in his life. His faith in Jesus Christ became a wellspring of strength as he bravely faced cancer. Through his Christian faith, he found deep inner peace and enduring hope, and learned, even amid illness and trial, to trust, to be still, and to accept each day with grace.

Cen Dai’s life was both brilliant and demanding—a journey shaped by years of steadfast effort, quiet strength, and unwavering responsibility. He leaves behind a legacy of talent, loyalty, and deep human warmth, carried forward in the lives of those who loved him, worked with him, and learned from him. He will be remembered with respect, gratitude, and enduring love.

We believe that this separation is not a final farewell. Trusting in the promises of our Lord, we look forward to the day when we shall be reunited in Him. With the hope of the resurrection, we wait in faith for that glorious reunion