Thomas R. McNeill Jr.

ASHEBORO Major Thomas McNeill, Jr. (Tommy) passed away on July 21, 2018, while teaching a wilderness search and rescue class at Vander Fire Department in Cumberland County, NC. Tommy's passion for fire and rescue and safety began around the age of five. He started his journey of being a public servant at age twelve by taking his first CPR class. Tommy continued his love for this profession throughout his lifetime. He obtained his EMT certification from Randolph Community College before graduating high school. Once graduating from Asheboro High School, he attended Montgomery Community College where he completed his paramedic certification. From there, his associate's degree in emergency medical services came from Guilford Technical Community College. Tommy's work experience includes Randolph County EMS, telecommunicator for Randolph County EMS, Alamance County EMS, and public safety officer for Randolph Community College. He was currently employed with Moore County Public Safety. Tommy was assistant chief and past chief of Ash-Rand Rescue & EMS. He was a volunteer with Robin Sage and co-owner of Mancos & McNeill, Inc. He taught fire and rescue at numerous community colleges across NC. Tommy was a former volunteer fireman with the Westside Fire Department. He was an instructor for mountain rescue and multiple state and government certification programs associated with fire, rescue, and all branches of EMS. Tommy was a member of First Baptist Church in Asheboro. Tommy is survived by his wife Sandra W. McNeill; son, Forrest Thomas McNeill of Asheboro; parents, Richard and Joretta McNeill of Asheboro; sisters, Donna Burgess of Greensboro, Teresa Timmons (Milton) of Greensboro, Kimberly Matthews (Michael) of Greensboro; nieces, Kelli Collins (Kyle) of Charlotte, Allison Burgess of Greensboro, Keesha Lee (Mario) of Greensboro; nephews, Tyrone Matthews of High Point, Travis Matthews (Kourtney) of Greensboro, and Terrell Timmons (Tia) of Greensboro; special aunts and uncles; and a host of other family and friends. Tommy's body will lie in repose on Friday, July 27, 2018, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Friday, July 27, 2018, at the Ash-Rand Rescue & EMS, 350 S. Cox Street in Asheboro. The family will receive friends on Friday, July 27, 2018, from 5 until 8 p.m. at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue in Asheboro. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 28, 2018, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 133 North Church Street in Asheboro with Dr. John S. Rogers and Dr. Boyd Byerly officiating. Burial will follow in Oaklawn Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Randolph County Animal Shelter, 1370 County Land Rd., Randleman, NC 27317 or Ash-Rand Rescue & EMS, 350 S. Cox St., Asheboro, NC 27203. Please share remembrances and condolences at www.pughfuneralhome.com.