John served in the U.S. Navy from 1949 to 1953 and later worked as a diesel mechanic. He was a faithful member of both Forest Park Baptist and Eastmont Baptist. John loved animals, square dancing, traveling, helping others (especially by volunteering at the Forest Park Mission Center), and activities with his church.
John was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Helen McNeill. The two were married on June 29, 1954 until her passing on August 25, 2001. He is also preceded by his daughter, Jennifer Bethea and his parents, John Hannibal and Katie Ruth Bedsole McNeill, and his sister, Angelo Faulkner Simmons.
He is survived by his daughter, Margie (Tom) Nichols; his son, Wesley (Jan) McNeill; his son-in-law, David Bethea; his grandchildren, Chris Bethea, Mark (Brittany) Bethea, Landon (Courtney) McNeill, Laremy (Jessica) McNeill, and Laurel (Rob) Whaley; as well as 15 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and his special friend, Linda Beard.
A Family and Friends Visitation will be held at Leak Memory Chapel, 945 Lincoln Rd, Montgomery, Alabama 36109, on July 1, 2026, beginning at 12:30 pm followed by a Celebration of Life Chapel Service will follow at 2:00 pm. Services will conclude with a family burial at Oakwood Annex, 1305 Upper Wetumpka Rd., Montgomery, AL 36107.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be shared with Eastmont Baptist Church or First Baptist Church, Montgomery for Youth Camp Scholarships.
