William McNeil

William Leonard McNeil born on December 24, 1930 Gastonia, North Carolina to the late Edna (Brice) Vickers and the late Leonard McNeil. He passed away peacefully on April 27, 2020, at the age of 89, after a long illness. In 1949, William relocated to New Haven, Connecticut. He graduated from Wilbur Cross High School and later attended technical school. On April 26, 1951, he married the love of his life, Danise Carr. They had two children and were married for 69 years. Danise affectionally called him “Dabell”. William was a very devoted and proud family man. He always put his family first and was active in the lives of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren until his health no longer allowed. He enjoyed planning family trips and attending family reunions. A humble man with tremendous faith and a big heart, William was a loyal member of Pitts Chapel Unified Free Will Baptist Church for over 65 years. He served as an Ordained Deacon, Chairman of the Trustee Board, Treasurer, and Sunday School Teacher and member of the Male Chorus. In addition, he served on the Bus Committee, oversaw Homecoming and Church Anniversary Celebrations, the Northern Connecticut Annual Conference, the General Conference, the District Union, and Home Mission. William enjoyed serving the community through the church. A certified mechanic by trade, William was employed at Sargent located in New Haven for 25 years until he retired. His other places of employment included: Race Brook Country Club in Orange; Winchester Repeating Arms in New Haven; Brass Mill in New Haven and Bridgeport; Yale New Haven University; and the City of New Haven. He also served as a member of the Elks Mason Orange Blossoms Chapter. Obituary continued In addition to his parents, William was predeceased by a son, Dennis Galloway; brothers Louis Brice and Leon McNeil; and Special Aunt Sarah Jackson. William leaves a great legacy of character, love, and faith to his wife Danise; children Edna Jones (Ezeife) and William Jerome McNeil; a brother Oliver Adams; a sister Diane Hinton (Buster); 20 grandchildren; 48 great grandchildren; 17 great-great grandchildren; sister-in-law Geneva Walters; Goddaughters Jean Carr; Melva Murrell and Chinita Davis and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

William McNeil

December 24, 1930 - April 27, 2020