Willie McNeil

Early Sunday Morning, March 7, 2021 the Lord received his son home.  

Willie McNeil was born July 25, 1940, to the Late Jesse and Hester McNeil the (6th) of their 18 children. After completing his education from the Fayetteville North Carolina Public School System at the age of 17, Willie packed up shop and headed North to find his way in life. At the age of 18 after only a year in the Washington, DC area, Willie was drafted into the United States Army.  

Willie completed his tour of duty and decided to return to the Metropolitan Area taking up residence in Alexandria, Va. where he then met Thelma Ann Brown.  

After a brief courtship, Willie asked and received Thelma’s hand in marriage and from that union they were blessed with a beautiful family of 10 children, Mary Martin, Claudia Bellamy, Patricia Hancock, Alan McNeil, Tammie McNeil, Sylvia Ector, Michael McNeil, Troy McNeil, Jesse McNeil, and Karla Mowatt.  

After holding positions with companies like Western Electric and exploring a few self-employment ventures, Willie settled into a career with the Virginia American Water Company where he worked until his retirement age of 65. Never being one to let moss grow under his feet, again Willie decided it was time for a change returning to his hometown of Fayetteville, NC.  

As one might expect coming from a family his size, Willie was one to never shy away from a good social gathering. Any excuse to get together was a good excuse, be it a family event, or through one of his many hobbies. 

Brother Willie McNeil was a faithful member of Lincoln Lodge #11 (MASONS), served as a member of SHADRACK JACKSON CONSISTORY #156 and as a NOBLE in Magnus Temple#3 (SHRINER). 

Willie loved bowling, playing cards, reading, traveling, collecting recipes, or just sitting down to watch a Western or his favorite TV show Star Trek, but Willie’s true passion lied in singing GOD’s Praise. 

Throughout his adult life Willie did just that. He was a member of many male Gospel groups such as the original Spiritual Lights, The Wondering Stars, the Christian Men Chorus, Freedom Way Men’s Chorus all of Alexandria VA. He also sang 1st Tenor with the New Inspirations, the Men’s Choir and the Chancel Choir of Haymount Presbyterian Church of Fayetteville, NC. 

During his time in Alexandria Willie received his spiritual guidance as a member of Mt. Nebo Pentecostal Church, under the leadership of Late Overseer Vivian I. Posey. After retirement and returning to Fayetteville, he was a member of Haymount Presbyterian Church of Fayetteville, NC, under the leadership of Pastor James A. Belle.  

Willie’s greatest achievement in life came on Sunday, October 25, 2020 when he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior. 

Preceding Willie in death: His wife Thelma, daughter Mary, Grandson Ali, two sisters Cora and Doris, longtime companion Ida Gillus. 

He leaves to cherish his memories: Claudia Bellamy of Woodbridge, VA, Patricia Hancock of Augusta, GA, Alan McNeil of Dumfries, VA, Tammie McNeil of Alexandria, VA, Sylvia Ector (Charles) of Suitland, MD, Michael McNeil (Sameka) of Montgomery Village, MD, Troy McNeil of Washington, DC, Jesse McNeil (Yvette) of Alexandria, VA, and Karla Mowatt (Douglas) of Exton, PA. Twenty-nine Grandchildren and Eighteen Great-grandchildren. 

Fifteen siblings, Elizabeth Marshall, Herbert McNeil (Sarah) of Alexandria, VA, Jesse McNeil (Perneitha) of Grove County, GA, Gladys Sampson, Mildred Kemp, Betty Jean Johnson, Zelphia Grace Fennell, Clarence McNeil, Weldon McNeil (Donna), Louise McNeil, Peggy Ann McNeil, Shirley McNeil, Jimmy McNeil (Claire), Ceasar McNeil all of Fayetteville, NC, Brenda McNeil of Columbus, Ohio. One Sister-in-law, Sarah Strothers and Brother-in-law, Waverly Brown. A host of Nieces, Nephews, family, and friends. 

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