Justin McNeill III

Justin McNeill III, 86, formally of Lumberton, NC., died after an extended illness on September 19, 2025 in Yadkinville, NC. He was living with his daughter Mrs. Paige Beitz and son-in-law Mr. Kenneth. Beitz in Advance, NC., prior to his illness. Justin McNeill III was born in Raleigh, NC. on December 15, 1938. He is the son of Mr. Justin Williamson McNeill and Mrs. Grace Marie Powell McNeill of Lumberton, NC, who preceded him in death. His grandfather, Mr. Justin McNeill Sr., operated McNeill Dairy in Lumberton during the 1930’s. Justin is the brother of Mr. Lew Fredrick McNeill of Morehead City, NC.

Justin graduated from Lumberton High School in 1957, and received a Bachelor’s degree in Geology from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill in 1961. He entered the military service in the United States Marine Corps at Quantico, Virginia in 1961. Justin graduated Officer training school and entered flight training at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Fl. He progressed into piloting large Marine Corps transport helicopters at the Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, NC. Justin excelled in leadership there and reached the rank of Captain. Captain McNeill served honorably as a US Marine from 1961 to 1966.

Upon completion of Captain McNeill’s military obligation, he accepted a position of pilot with Eastern Airlines Inc. When Eastern went out of business, Justin was immediately offered a pilot position with United Airlines. Justin excelled as a pilot and reached the highest position of Captain, piloting some of the largest commercial aircraft’s, such as the DC 10, Boeing 747, 767, and the 777. He also completed special advanced training in Denver, Co. Justin retired from flying after 40 years faithful service to them in 2001.

In 1973, Justin married Michele Elaine Bode in Alexandria, Va. Together they had seven children: Mr. Justin Luke McNeill of Manassas, Va; Mrs. Paige Marie McNeill (Beitz) of Advance, NC; Mrs. Jocelyn Christine McNeill (Campbell) of Bristow, Va; Mr. Preston George McNeill of Annandale, Va; Mr. Miles Fulton McNeill of Annandale, Va; Mr. Morgan Yates McNeill of Bristow, Va; and Mrs. Michele Rose McNeill (Shetterly) of Aberdeen, Md. He is also survived by 22 grandchildren.

In his retirement Justin was always willing to learn new hobbies, such as 3D printing and fossil hunting. These hobbies brought him much joy and happiness, especially when sharing it with others, and to all of us. No matter what Justin was doing, he would always have time to stop and listen to our questions, and give thoughtful advice. Justin is gone, but not at all forgotten. Rest in peace brother, father, grandfather, and trusted friend.

Burial will be at Quantico National Cemetery in Quantico, Va., along with a memorial service at an undetermined date and time.