Charles E McNeil

After years of suffering at Hattiesburg Health and Rehab, Charlie McNeil (age 81) of Laurel entered eternal life on July 3, 2014 at 4:45 pm with his wife of 63 years at his bed side. His spirit is carried on by his wife of Carolyn Myers, 2 children, 4 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. A native of Pineville, MS but longtime resident of Laurel, Charlie was a loving, devoted husband, adored and valued father and greatly favored grandfather. He had a love for life and traveling the world with his wife and friends. His smile was contagious and his laugh made you laugh with him or at him. Charlie was a loyal friend to many and gave endlessly of himself to work and caring for his family. He was a generous man with silver hair and a gold heart. Charlie worked for Illinois Central and Gulf Railroad where he was recognized for many accomplishments and even trained others. He retired after 30 years. Retirement didn’t suit him so he built a business from the ground up. After 13 years of McNeil Trucking, he retired again only to live life to the fullest. Charlie was a member of West Laurel Baptist church. He enjoyed traveling. Among his travels his favorite trip may have been to see the holy land in Egypt. But he truly loved just simply going. He enjoyed dancing, singing and even skiing barefoot. He taught his children and grandchildren to do it also. Charlie loved Sundays not only because he could attend church but more so for his blue plate special and an afternoon of watching Nascar. He is survived by his wife Carolyn Myers, son Durwin (Sheila) McNeil, daughter Karen (Greg) Bell, grandsons Uriah (Melissa) Parish, Josh Parish, Elijah (Menika) Parish, Dylan (Dina) McNeil, great grandchildren Daunte, Ella Grace, Naaman, Elijah Jr., Gabriel, Elisha, DJ and Dalton, A sister Delores (Tam) Maddox and finally his special feathered friend “Rocky” bird. He is preceded in death by his parents Mr. and Mrs. James E McNeil and his fur buddy “Max’ the dog. Pallbearers include Greg Bell, Dylan McNeil, Danny Byrd, Charlie Bryant, Bill Culberson and Ken Swagger. Services for Charlie will be 2 pm Sunday at Memory Chapel with burial following at Hickory Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday 5-7 pm at Memory Chapel.

Charles E McNeil

December 30, 1932 - July 3, 2014