Robert Lawrence "Uncle Babe" McNeil

Robert Lawrence McNeil Robert L. "Uncle Babe" McNeil, 91, currently of Bedford, Va., passed away on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010. Born Feb. 1, 1919, in West Jefferson, N.C., a son of the late Clemmie Dixon McNeil and Lester McNeil. Uncle Babe is survived by four nieces, Janis T. Gates of Bedford, Carol T. Billings of Chilhowie, Va., Cheryl T. Bryant of Bristol Tennessee, and Glenna McNeil Lewis of Sparta, N.C.; two nephews, Robert I. Thomas of Houston, and Jerry McNeil of West Jefferson, N.C.; many great-nieces and great-nephews; and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to Bedford Life Saving Crew, P.O. Box 161, Bedford, VA 24523; or Bedford Hospice Care, 1621 Whitfield Drive, Suite C, Bedford, VA 24523. A celebration of Uncle Babe's life will be conducted from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010, at the home of his niece and her husband, Janis T. and George F. Gates, 805 Longwood Ave., Bedford, VA, with Rev. Les Trail officiating. The Gates have been his caretakers for the last seven years.To send condolences, please visit www.tharpfuneralhome.com Arrangements by Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, 586-3443.