Anthony McNeil

Anthony McNeil, affectionately known by his loved ones as Brown, Pop Brown, and OG, was a beacon of loyalty, support, inspiration, and love. Born on July 19, 1948, in Portsmouth, VA, Anthony's journey of life was filled with the joy of giving, the happiness of living, and the love of family. He was a man of great character and strength. As Albert Einstein once said, "The only thing that you absolutely have to know is the location of the library." Anthony, with his vast knowledge and love for life, was that library for many.

Anthony spent his life dedicated to his work as a welder for Arvin Meritor in Newark, Ohio, retiring in 2004 after many years of service. Known for his passion for old school cars, his love for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Michigan football, his enjoyment of playing dominoes, cards, fishing and gambling, Anthony was the life of any gathering. "Brown" was truly one of a kind. His retirement years were marked by his love for having a good time and sharing life's simple pleasures with his family. His warm generosity and spirit embodied the essence of his character, and his legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Fairley Sr. and Mary McNeil, his brother Fairley Jr "Bill", sister Mary Jones Short "Boot", his granddaughter Eboni Brazell "Eb" and his beloved wife, Sheila Ingram-McNeil "Shorty". The light that was Anthony will continue to shine in his beloved as he is survived by his loving family: his daughters Sharie McNeil (Haze), Debbie Eatmon, Sanita Wright (James), Angela McNeil-Young, and Latiesa McNeil; his son Keith White (Sonya); his grandsons Kenneth Gibbs and Anthony Davis; his sisters Eva Hill (Warren) and Deatrice Parker (James); nine grandchildren, a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, a host of special friends and under my wing sons.

We invite you to join us in celebrating his life on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Evergreen Funeral Service & Reception, 1855 E 17th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, 43219. Visitation will begin at 12:00pm EST followed by a service at 1:00pm EST. A celebration of life will be held after services from 3:00pm until 7:00pm at 3370 E.5th Avenue 43219. Please join us!

We welcome you to share your memories of Anthony to the memorial page, celebrating a life beautifully lived and a person greatly loved. His inspiring life story is a testament to a man whose love and dedication to his family and friends is as enduring as his legacy. Anthony McNeil's life was truly a life well-lived. His memory will forever remain in our hearts, inspiring us to live with love, generosity, and joy in our hearts.