Wiley Estel Mcneil, Jr.

Mr. Wiley Estel McNeil, Jr., age 91, passed away at 10:16 p.m. on Tuesday, February 16, 2016. Mr. McNeil was born January 4, 1925 in North Wilkesboro to late Wiley Estel McNeil, Sr. and Golda Hurt McNeil. He was the first born of six children.
Mr. McNeil attended high school in Wilkes County. He served with the 8th Air Force in England in the 482nd Bombardment Group during 1943-1946, flying pathfinder missions over the English Channel.
After returning home, Mr. McNeil accepted a job with Lowe’s Hardware, now known as Lowe’s Home Improvement, where he would be employed for the next 22 years. He managed stores in Asheville, Charlotte, Bristol and Greensboro, where he retired from the company in 1972.
Throughout his adult life, Mr. McNeil was a faithful member of the Baptist Church, and served as a deacon at First Baptist Church in Greensboro. He enjoyed farming and was active in several civic clubs.  He was elected to the Alleghany County Board of County Commissioners in 1996 and served one term in that office.
In 1947, Mr. McNeil married the late Hazel Hayes of Purlear, NC and together they had three children, all of whom survive him; Mrs. Jolynne M. Welch of Reidsville, NC, Randy McNeil of North Hollywood, CA and Ms. Sarahan McNeil of Richmond, VA, in addition to two grandsons, Tyler Welch and wife Tara of Phoenix, AZ and Andy Welch of Richmond, VA, as well as three great-grandchildren of Phoenix. Also surviving Mr. McNeil are his wife, June Kennedy Brown McNeil of the home; step-son, Rick Brown and wife Carole of Jamestown, NC and step-grandson, Ethan Campbell Brown; brothers, Herbert McNeil and wife Betty of Purlear and Allie McNeil and wife Dollie of Winston Salem, NC; sister, Alma Jean Caudill of Millers Creek and a special nephew, Perry McNeil and wife Doreen of Purlear.
Mr. McNeil was predeceased by two brothers, Paul McNeil and wife Peggy and Benny Thompson; step-daughter, Ceceille Auton.
A service celebrating his life will be held at the First Baptist Church of Sparta on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. John Mcrae, Judge Richard Doughton and Mr. John Miller officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow at 3:30 p.m. at Westminster Gardens in Greensboro, NC.
Memorials may be made to Alleghany Education Foundation, P.O. Box 33 Sparta, NC 28675 or Solid Rock Food Closet, P.O. Box 1166 Sparta, NC 28675.