Mr. Stephen Edward McNeil Obituary in Wadesbaro at Smith's Funeral Home

Obituary For Mr. Stephen Edward McNeil

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.

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Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was sent for Mr. Stephen Edward McNeil - July 30, 2022

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The Peace Lily was sent for Mr. Stephen Edward McNeil - July 29, 2022

Custom Brick & Supply Company sent Cherished Friend Bouquet for Mr. Stephen Edward McNeil - July 29, 2022

Sending love and prayers to the family and friends of Mr. Stephen McNeil. -Custom Brick & Supply Company

Heartfelt Memories was sent for Mr. Stephen Edward McNeil - July 28, 2022

Robert S Smith III sent Harmony & Grace Basket for Mr. Stephen Edward McNeil - July 28, 2022

Sending thoughts and prayers your way during this time.
- Southland Transportation

Ocean Devotion was sent for Mr. Stephen Edward McNeil - July 28, 2022

Custom Brick & Supply Company planted 10 trees in memory of Mr. Stephen Edward McNeil . - July 29, 2022

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Big Steve will be greatly missed Jimmy and Deborah Meadows

Sorry for your loss

Extending my sincerest condolences and prayers of comfort to Marie, my other family members, and Steve's family, during this most difficult time. -Nikki Harrington-Bennett

Marie, there are no words to express the sorrow I feel for your loss. I pray that you all find comfort and strength in the Lord and love from family and friends. With all my love... Dora and Fred

Keeping the family in prayer. Sheron R Smith

Keeping the family in prayer.

So very sorry for your loss. Thomasina Montgomery

My heart goes out to you, Marie and Family. Stephen was a godly man, very helpful, and loved his wife Marie very much. We thank God for the life he lived. Our hearts go out to you as God strengthens your family during this time of mourning. I will keep you in my prayers. Love Esther Davis and Family

Praying for the family Jannie newton faison

Praying for the family

Dear Family, Steve "Ed Junior" will be sorely missed. I remember how we sat around at FSU and talked and laughed about times we remembered growing up and eating dinner from one aunt house to another. He was strong and had strong convictions. With that big ole smile, he said what he meant and meant what he said. Reunion and family gatherings will not be the same without him. I miss my brother-buddy. May God continue to bless and keep us all, and may his mercy and grace bring us peace and understanding in the days to come. Connie

Sending our condolences, prayers to the family.
Snead Family

I did a mime years ago and I was supposed to stumble and at the time I was so nervous. My knees went weak and I almost fell into his lap. He told me later that day ms. Jen you did that. Lol. I told him what really happened he laughed so hard. And give me a big hug. Lol. I will miss seeing you in the front row and hearing you say. Hey Ms Jen. How you doing. Praying for you ms. Maira. my Friend know that we love you and your family. Danny and Jennie. Price

Sending my sympathy to all the family. Terry Efird

Sending my sympathy to all the family.

My deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. Steve McNeil we all grew up around sampson county and attended the same church from Phyllis Dawson & Larry Dawson children of the late Earston Dawson, Autryville, NC

We always enjoyed Steve walking in the door at Taylor's Motor Co as he always came in smiling and pleasantly asked how we were doing. Steve loved three things: God, Ms. Marie and trucking. It was always our pleasure to work with Steve, who loved life so much.

S & L Transport will forever live on! My FAVORITE Trucker ! The BEST Papaw ❤️❤️ I love you Big Steve

Class of 1970 RSHS,GOD BLESS THE FAMILY

Really going to miss laughing with the man of God. So glad I got a chance to know you. You are really going to be missed.

Words can't even begin to express our sorrow. Please accept my deepest condolences for your family's loss.
Kellie Hughes and Family

To the family of Elder Stephen "Steve" McNeil know that you're in my prayers. Elder was a great man of God and definitely a wonderful provider. Auntie Marie you know I am here for you because we're family. Elder Steve will be greatly missed until we all meet again in Glory!... Mr. Mackenzie Nelson

Sending our deepest condolences to family! Nate&Lynn Grace

Mr.Steve was an awesome man of God everytime I saw him he had that big smile.He will be missed

Mr. Steve was always someone you would see coming into church every Sunday sitting in the front row or up teaching Sunday school. I remember always getting a hug and hearing his laugh. When I would dance on Sunday's as a teen and as I would walk to the back I would glance his way and he would always have the biggest smile. He was definitely a gentle giant and I will always remember him. I am praying for Mrs. Marie and the family, continue to let his memories live on and his Sunday teachings.
Elbony Taylor

Family, my deepest condolences to you. Marie, I'm praying that you and our family find comfort knowing that God has his arms wrapped around you. Ed Jr is what my Mama; his Aunt called him. She thought the world of him and enjoyed giving him her tight lovable hugs when she would see him. Steve was always the life of the Parker Family Reunion and enjoyed family. He will be missed by so many.
Vanessa and Michael Burden

I haven't seen Steve since high school, but had the chance to talk to him and add him to our RSHS CLASS FB group. He was such fun in school. He kept everyone laughing. My prayers are with his family. God bless you all.

To Marie and the entire McNeil family, please accept our sincere condolences in the passing of the cousin that I have always known as "Bubba." His sweet nature and infectious smile will be sorely missed. You are all in our prayers. In the days to come, we pray that your sorrows be replaced with fond memories and peace. William and Dorise Utley

May your gentle spirit continue to light this world through the memories and words spoken. Take your rest Stephen. Marie as the angel you've always been know that you are loved and supported. The Dockery's

To the Ms. Marie, family and friends of Mr. Steve, I want to express my condolences to you all during your time of bereavement. I pray strength and comforting words upon you and may love and beautiful memories surround you ❤️ Nikki Robinson Blakeney

My condolences to aunt Marie and the family love you all

My deepest condolences and sympathy goes out to Mrs.Marie and family may god give you and your family a peace that surpasses all understanding my prayers goes out to you and your family Elder Steve will be dearly missed Mrs.Teresa Rorie and family

My deepest condolences and sympathy goes out to Mrs.Marie and her family may God give you peace that surpasses all understanding praying for the family Mrs.Teresa Rorie

My deepest condolences and sympathy as well as my prayers goes out to Mrs.Marie my God give you and your family peace that surpasses all understanding Mrs. Teresa Rorie and family

Sending our deepest condolences to the family. Michael and Deborah Crowder and family

Brother Steve was a beautiful person to know who will truly be missed. May God send forth His Holy Spirit to strengthen and comfort Mrs. Marie McNeil and family in their time of mourning. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. -James and Carrie Brewer & Family

My deepest condolences to the family. Praying that the God of all comfort, will comfort each of you in your time of bereavement. Shirley Parker and family