Henry A. McNeil

With sincere respect and gratitude, we commemorate the life and enduring legacy of Henry Armstrong McNeil, who passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2026, following a brief illness.

Born on April 21, 1939, in Pamplico, South Carolina, Henry was the sixth of eight children born to Hermage and Bessie McNeil. Raised within a supportive and close-knit family, he developed strong values of faith and compassion from an early age, carrying these ethical principles throughout his life.

Henry completed his education in the Florence County school district, graduating with the Gibbs High School Class of 1958. That same year, he relocated to Detroit, Michigan, where he continued his studies at Ross Business School. Demonstrating diligence and professionalism, he began his career as an analyst in the fragrance industry before transitioning to General Motors in 1972, serving as a skilled trade welder for three decades. In 2002, he embarked on a new path in plumbing and took great pleasure in baking and making fresh sweets.

On December 7, 1963, Henry married Patsy Ann Williams, and together they raised their son, Leon, and daughters, Michel and Tammy. The family were active members of Derrick Memorial Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit, where Henry served faithfully as an ordained Deacon, Trustee Board member, and church bus driver for forty years.

In August 2013, Henry and Patsy moved to Conyers, Georgia. Following Patsy's passing on January 30, 2019, Henry returned to Pamplico, South Carolina, and reunited with Aimwell Baptist Church in 2020.

Henry is predeceased by his wife, Patsy Williams-McNeil; his parents,  Hermage and Bessie McNeil; two brothers, Jethroe and Thurmond McNeil; son-in-law, Dwayne Harris; sister-in-law Willetta McNeil; and brother-in-law McLeod Munnerlyn.

He is survived by his three children, Rev. Leon (LaRhonda) McNeil and Michel (Jerome) Graham-Williams, Jr., both of Detroit, MI, and Tammy Harris of Conyers, GA; grandchildren Henry Theon McNeil, Joshua McNeil, Albert Graham III, Neil Graham, Nicholas Graham, Dwayne Semar Harris, Jr., and Tyler Harris; great-granddaughter Essence McNeil; five siblings: Marshall McNeil  of Orlando, FL, Yvonne Munnerlyn and Hermage (Mary) McNeil of Akron, OH, Herbert (Geraldine) McNeil of Pamplico, SC, who was also his caregivers, Ruth (Bobby) Graham of Johnsonville, SC; sisters-in-law Jessie Brown and Martha McNeil; aunt Mae Shird; bonus daughter Gloria Jones; goddaughter Cecily B. Coleman; honorary nephews Connor Martin McNeil and Colyn B. Coleman; special nieces Yvette Davenport and Shirley Wilson; and numerous loving relatives, friends, colleagues, and neighbors.

Henry is recognized as a devoted brother, father, grandfather, uncle, god father, and friend. His steadfast faith, integrity, and positive influence have left a notable impact on his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

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