Deacon James McNeil

Obituary For Deacon James McNeil

With sympathy United Funeral Home announce funeral service for Deacon James McNeil.

Viewing will be held Monday, February 26, 2018 from 4-7 pm

Services for Deacon McNeil will be held Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at 1:00 pm at Mt. Rona Baptist Church, Loris SC.

Interment will follow in Flag Patch Community Cemetery.

He passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at McLeod Medical Center in Dillon.

At an early age he confessed Christ and joined St. Paul Baptist Church, Conway, South Carolina. He later joined Freemont Baptist Church, Longs, South Carolina and then he joined Mt. Rona Baptist Church, Loris, South Carolina where he served in several capacities. These included: a deacon, member of the men’s chorus, Sunday school teacher and church choir.

Mr. McNeil as he was affectionately called graduated from Whitmore High School in Conway, South Carolina. Upon graduation he matriculated to the United States Army wherein he served honorably and then exited with an honorable discharge after serving as a World War II Veteran.

He was united in holy matrimony to his devoted and loving wife, Ettie Lease Johnson and they were blessed with two wonderful daughters.

James was an active Master Mason for more than forty years and was elevated to a Shiner in the local chapter. He was a farmer who loved tilling the earth. He planted some of the finest vegetables and flowers in the area. He could always be seen in his yard planting and attending to his garden throughout the year. He also worked as a carpenter for several years.

Mr. McNeil was an entrepreneur who served as the community barber in Loris for over fifty years. He enjoyed walking in the community where he remained physically fit. He would often use this time visiting people throughout the community. He was a sharp dresser and would not leave home unless all of his clothing was in place from his head to his toes.

Preceding him in death along with his parents ~ his loving wife: Ettie Lease Johnson of fifty-five years of marriage; three sisters: Ruth (Herbert) Hickman, Ada (Dorsey) Patrick and Letha (Freeman) Gore; two brothers: Hayes (Mary) McNeil and Famous (Cobetha) McNeil.

James leaves to cherish fond and loving memories of his legacy ~ two daughters: Hattie Margaret (Boyce) Stackhouse of Loris, SC and Annie Lee (Henry) Myers of New York, NY; he also raised two grandchildren: Tony (Deanna) McNeil of Columbia, SC and Paula (Leroy) Boyd of Loris, SC; five great grandchildren; one great, great grandchild and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and numerous friends.