William H. McNeil, Jr.

Bill McNeil (87) passed away peacefully on January 11, 2023, in the home of his daughter (Ann McNeil) and son-in-law (Rick Lewis). Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary McNeil, his brother Robert McNeil, his son Terry McNeil, and his beloved wife of 61 years, Susan. His memory will be cherished by all, including his son William McNeil Ill and daughter-in-law, JoEllen McNeil of Cleveland, Ohio, his granddaughter Amber Chretien and her husband, Jon Chretien of West Orange, New Jersey, great-granddaughters Norah and Camille Chretien, grandson Paul Lewis of Boynton Beach, and a host of friends and family members living in his place of birth, Wheeling, West Virginia.

Bill led a full and accomplished life. After graduating from Wheeling High, Bill enlisted in the Army and served for three years with the 11th Airborne Division. He identified as a proud paratrooper his entire life, later becoming a member and Chairman of the 82nd Airborne Association in Palm Beach County. After marrying Susan and starting their family, Bill earned his Master’s degree in Special Education and became a teacher and principal in Wheeling. His administrative expertise and executive abilities led to leadership positions at West Liberty Community College and West Virginia Northern University. He was elected to the City Council of Wheeling, and was later made the Director of the Palm Beach Habilitation Center. In the later years of his teaching career, he provided valuable service at Lincoln Elementary and Roosevelt Elementary schools in Palm Beach County, Florida.

Bill will be remembered for his lifelong generosity, athleticism, quick wit, cheerfulness, and outgoing personality. He was quick to tell an Irish joke or story, having visited Ireland 10 times with Susan, and Saint Patrick's Day was always a cause for celebration with his fishing buddies on The Lucky Day and with his family, friends and neighbors. He loved us deeply, and we, him. He will be sorely missed and always cherished.

A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, March 17, 2023, 11:00 AM at the Lorne & Sons Funeral Home, 745 NE 6th Avenue, Delray Beach with burial to follow with military honors at 1:00 PM at South Florida National Cemetery, 6501 S. State Road 7, Lake Worth, FL 33449 Lane #3.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s honor to Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League. Click Here to Donate online.