Daryl Gene McNeir

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Daryl Gene McNeir, age 90, on March 12, 2025, in Kennesaw, Georgia. A loving and devoted husband, fun, approachable, and caring father, as well as proud, ever-entertaining grandfather, Daryl spent the last 30+ years in retirement in Kennesaw with his beloved wife, Carol, whom he married, deeply loved, and cherished for over 70 years.

Daryl was born on May 21, 1934, in Austin, MN, as the oldest of four children. His family later moved to Milwaukee, WI, where he grew up, played both football and the clarinet in band, rode show horses with his father, and, on occasion, participated in amateur boxing. After leaving school, he proudly served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, stationed in Alaska and Montana as part of the Border Defense System. While in service, Daryl met and married Carol. Upon leaving the Air Force, together, Carol and Daryl raised their three sons: Scott, Dana, and Kyle, in the home they built on the northwest side of Milwaukee.

Daryl had a long and distinguished career as a dual-trailer transport driver for UPS, commuting between Milwaukee, Chicago, and Stevens Point daily. “Rocky”, as he was known by his coworkers and over the CB Radio, was a hard worker and often selected longer runs, putting in extra hours so that Carol could be a stay-at-home mother and raise their three sons. Together, they provided a very happy, comfortable life affording the family to thrive. At UPS, Daryl earned several UPS national driving awards in recognition of his dedication and impeccable safety record. For several years, he was the UPS national leader for most miles per gallon title. (Daryl was 'green' before it was trendy!)

In his personal life, Daryl simply enjoyed spending time with his wife, Carol, who both enjoyed landscaping and gardening, traveling the country in their motorhome, spending one or two months each winter at their second home in Bradenton, Florida, completing small woodworking projects, and spending quality time with friends and family. Above all, Daryl had a kind, light-hearted spirit and a remarkable ability to converse and connect with everyone he met, always looking to meet someone new, share stories, and put a smile on a person’s or child’s face. To Daryl, everyone was a friend waiting to be made.

Daryl was preceded in deathIn lieu of flowers or gifts, the family kindly requests donations be made to a charity of your choice in memory of Daryl McNeir. by his parents, Kenneth and Cleone McNeir (Hobbs); his son, Scott McNeir; and his siblings, Mike (Dennis) McNeir, Dale McNeir, and Darlene Karas. He is survived by his ever-loving wife, Carol; two sons, Dana (Karen) and Kyle (Ellen); grandchildren, Melissa (Nick), Danielle (Luke), Taylor (Brian), Miles (Jenna), Lindsay, Connor, Bailey, and Cory; as well as six great-grandchildren.

A brief service and joint Celebration of Life for Daryl and his eldest son, Scott, will be held on April 12, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home, 2950 North Cobb Parkway, Kennesaw, GA 30060. We invite friends and family to join us in honoring their lives and sharing cherished memories. Light refreshments will be served.

Daryl’s unique personality and legacy of love, humor, kindness, and commitment to family will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family kindly requests donations be made to a charity of your choice in memory of Daryl McNeir.