William E McNeill, Sr

RED SPRINGS William Edwin McNeill Sr, 98, of Red Springs, NC died June 6, 2011 at Hospices Morrison Manor in Laurinburg, NC. Edwin was born May 25, 1913 to the late John Daniel McNeill and Annetta Virginia McIntyre McNeill in the house his grandfather built near Mt. Tabor about 7 miles from Red Springs. He was preceded in death by his four brothers, John Brown, Neil Archibald, Murphy and Douglas and two sisters Flora and Mary. On June 14, 1941 he married Eunice McDuffie who grew up in the nearby Saddletree community. She died on November 30, 1992 after 51 years of marriage. Edwin and Eunices three children and spouses are: Carol Murphy of Red Springs, Emily Womble (Andy) of Laurinburg, and William (Sherron) of Red Springs. Also surviving are eight grandchildren: Lynn Bridges of Winston Salem, Patrick Murphy of Winston-Salem, Virginia Wilson of Newport, Catherine Dodel of Charlotte, Mary Elizabeth Buie of Apex, Graham Womble of Laurinburg, Kimberly McNeill of Durham, and Amy Holmes of Surf City and ten great-grandchildren. Edwin graduated from Philadelphus High School. In 1954 he opened McNeills Heating and Air Conditioning Co which he operated until he retired in 1978. He was a life-long member of the Presbyterian Church, serving as Deacon, Elder, and was honored as an Elder Emeritus. He was a member of the Red Springs Masonic Lodge 501. He will be missed and remembered by his family and many friends for his engaging conversation, wealth of knowledge and sound advice. Whether it was about some person or event many years ago or the latest ACC sports news he could engage in meaningful dialog and provide accurate information. His children, grandchildren, and great-grand children were a great joy to him. He kept up with his extended family and was an amazing source of stories about his ancestors and heritage. His life was an inspiration to all who knew him. The family will receive friends from 7:00-9:00 on Wednesday, June 8th at Crumpler Funeral Home in Red Springs. He will be buried at Alloway Cemetery in Red Springs on Thursday, June 9 at 10:00 AM. His life will be celebrated in a worship service held at the Red Springs Presbyterian Church at 11:00 AM. Memorials may be made to Red Springs Presbyterian Church, PO Box 428, Red Springs, NC 28377 or Hospice of Scotland County PO box 1033 Laurinburg, NC 28353.