Lew "Big Lew" Wetzel McNeil

He was born in Ashland, KY on April 28th, 1936 and moved with his parents, Kathryn and James McNeil to Holden WV at a very young age. He attended the University Of West Virginia prior to serving in the US Air Force. It was during basic training in San Antonio that he met the love of his life, JoAnn Fest, to whom he married on April 19th, 1957.

They settled in Charleston SC where he was employed by Avco Lycoming after the Air Force. He spent his free time working as a fishing guide on Lake Moultrie and serving as the announcer for the Garrett High School football and basketball teams. He was active member of the Optimist and Fellowship Presbyterian Church.

Upon moving to Arlington in 1971 he was employed with Textron Corporation before becoming a lobbyist for Highway Safety. He was a member of the Fort Worth Chamber for several years but his favorite place to be was fishing and hunting. He was an avid fisherman, hunter and devoted sports fan - especially the Cowboys. He also loved to dance, travel and eat out especially Dave's BBQ, Lisa's Chicken and La Isla for Mexican food.

In addition to his wife Jo Ann, he is survived by his brother John Robert McNeil of Logan, WV; his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren: Dwayne & Brenda McNeil, their daughter Callie of Missouri; Julie Jacobs & her sons Anton & his wife Traci of Texas; James & his wife Cassie of New York; Lanita Moore & her sons Miles Moore; Blake Birdsong, his wife Heather & their children Braylon and Harlow of Arlington along with numerous lifelong friends and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents and son-n-law, Rick C Moore.

A Celebration of his Life is scheduled for Friday, February 7th at 6 PM at Moore Funeral Home, 1219 North Davis Blvd, Arlington Texas. In lieu of flowers - the family request donations be made to Community Hospice of Ft Worth; Texas Parks & Wildlife or the charity of your choice.