Mr. Stephen Edward McNeil, affectionately called “Big Steve,” was born May 16, 1952, in Salemburg, NC, the son of the late Steven and Ruth McNeil. He was 70 years old.

Steve graduated from Roseboro Salemburg High School in 1970 and attended Fayetteville State University, where he was on a path to play professional football until he sustained a knee injury.

In May 1992, Steve married Lilly Marie Smith of Monroe and became the stepfather to her two children.

He chose to go into the truck driving business, where he drove for several companies before deciding to operate his own, naming his business, “S&L Trucking Company,” which stood for Steve and Lilly.

More recently, Steve started driving for McNeil Trucking, a company owned by his nephew, Travis.

Big Steve loved truck driving as he was in the business for more than 35 years.

He also loved the Lord and was a faithful member of God’s Word Only in Wingate, NC, where he served as an elder, minister, leader of Extended Hands, and was over the Usher board and Finance Department. He enjoyed teaching Sunday School, where his humor made people laugh while delivering the Word of God. Everyone knew “Big Steve” as a man of his word. He gave to those in need and demonstrated kindness, hope and love to people that others may have counted out. He met no strangers.

When Steve was not on the road, he enjoyed watching drag racing and his favorite football team, the American team – the Dallas Cowboys, while sitting in his favorite chair. Oftentimes, the TV was watching him.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, along with his sisters, Mary, Nellie and Ann.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Lilly Marie McNeil, of the home; four children, Keisha Leaks (Lamont) of Wingate, NC, Terry Smith of Monroe, NC, Tanya O’Neil of Raleigh, NC, and Lyndsey Hawkins; four siblings: his brothers, Isaac McNeil (Cindy) of Dunn, NC, John David McNeil of Godwin, NC, Devon McNeil (Brenda) of Marshville, NC and a sister, Aliene Raynor (Thurmond) of Clinton, NC; four grandchildren, Brittany Leaks of Wingate, NC, Summer Leaks of Greensboro, NC, Isaiah Leaks of Wingate, NC and Jatiere Smith of Monroe, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends. He also leaves behind two special friends, Barry Greene and Eric Washington.

A Memorial Service to Honor the Life and Legacy of Mr. McNeil will be on Sunday, July 31, 2022, 2:00pm at Smith’s Memorial Chapel, 604 Salisbury Street, Wadesboro, North Carolina.