Otis McNeil

Otis McNeil passed away on August 7, 2024. A memorial service will be held to honor his memory at First Baptist Church in King, NC, on August 13, 2024, with Dr. Ron Hinson officiating. Receiving of family and friends will begin at 12:30PM with the service following at 2PM. A graveside service for the family will take place at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Ferguson, NC, on August 14, 2024, at 11AM with Joey Moore officiating.

Otis was born on November 22, 1945, to Coy and Ressie McNeil. He lived a fruitful life to the age of 78 years old and was the youngest of nine children. He is preceded in death by Opal Agamennone (Bob), Arthur McNeil (Billie), Ola Mooney (Charles), Grover McNeil (Grace), Stella Land (Harold), Mont McNeil (Carol), and Edna Blair (Bob). He is survived by his older sister Nell Barnette (Jessie).

Otis was a loving husband and was married to Kate for almost 56 years. He was a great father to two sons and grandfather to 4 grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife, Kate Barnett McNeil; his sons Kevin (Kristen) and Jeffrey (Alison); and his four beloved grandchildren, Addison, Riley, Conner, and Graham.

He is a graduate of West Wilkes High School (1964), received his degree in Special Education from Appalachian State University (1967) followed by a Masters’ Degree of Special Education also from Appalachian State University (1970). He furthered his learning by receiving an Educational Specialist certification from UNCG (1980), and his Doctor of Educational Administration from Virginia Tech (1987). 

Otis was a lifelong educator, a fair and honest man, and a devout Christian. His thirst for knowledge led him to be an avid reader. He was a Supervisor, Personnel Director, Assistant Superintendent in Stokes County Schools, and Superintendent of Whiteville City Schools where he implemented ROTC and boys’ and girls’ soccer programs.

His love for education afforded him the opportunity to be a professor at UNC Pembroke for graduate students in Education. He served actively in church as a Sunday school teacher and Deacon. He also served the community as President of the NC Mental Health Association for 3 years, served as board member of the Delta Dental Association, and was an active member of the Lion’s Club for many years.

Those who knew Otis knew that he was an avid college sports fan of all things Virginia Tech, especially football and basketball.

Donations may be made in his honor to Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery Fund at PO Box 7, Ferguson, NC 28624. Flowers will also be accepted by Hayworth-Miller Rural Hall Chapel, 305 Bethania-Rural Hall Rd., Rural Hall, NC 27045.

He will be greatly missed by family and friends!