Thomas Benton McNeil of Wallace, NC, departed his earthly life on Monday, March 4, 2024, while at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in Wilmington, NC.  Born on April 6, 1942, he is the son of the late James Burnice and Eunice Virginia Giddeons McNeil.  Also preceding him in death are siblings—Betsy Ann Watson of Boling Green (KY), Virginia Pernell Pate of Willard, and Penny Brinson of Wallace.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of fifty five years—Ruth Blanton McNeil of the home; children—Thomas Benton McNeil, Jr. of Katy (TX) and Suzanne Agee and husband Terry of Martinsville (VA); siblings—Greg McNeil of Wallace and Cora Mae Foy of Nine-Mile.

Mr. McNeil was a man known for his smile who enjoyed laughing and joking most all of the time.  He loved to work, learn, and read and had a vast wealth of knowledge in many areas, according to family and friends.  Using his many talents, he had a passion for woodworking and accomplished a great deal in this arena.  He loved helping everyone and would do anything he could to help them.  Most of all, love for family was paramount in his life.

A service to celebrate is life is set for 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 8, 2024, in the chapel of Padgett Funeral & Cremation Services in Wallace.  Family will greet friends at a visitation one hour prior to the service at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home, with interment following the service at Peniel PFWB Church Cemetery in Willard.  Floral arrangements are welcome or please consider a contribution, in his memory, to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in Wilmington.