Obituary of Billy McNeal

Mr. Billy Vance McNeal, age 77, of NC 194 North, Boone, died Monday afternoon March 8, 2010 at Watauga Medical Center. Born April 21, 1932 in Mountain City, Tennessee, he was a son of the late Grady and Minnie Rominger McNeil. Billy was raised in the Rich Mountain community of Watauga County. Mr. Mc Neal served in the United State Army for 25 years and retired at the rank of Sergeant Major. He served tours of duty in Korea, Vietnam and Iran. Surviving are his wife of 52 years; Wanda Holman McNeal, one daughter; Terry Vila of Fleetwood, three grandchildren; Shawn Peele and wife Jenny of Boone, Aaron Peele of Boone and Alicia Greer and husband Jonathan of Boone, four great grandchildren; Landon and Cayden Peele of Elkin, Austin Greer of Boone and Haileigh Peele of Boone and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; Grady and Minnie Rominger McNeil, three brothers; George, Alfred and Carson McNeil and two sisters; Ella McNeil Adams and Ruby McNeil Ragan. Memorial services for Mr. Billy Vance McNeil will be conducted Thursday evening at 7 o\'clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. Gordon Noble. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 6 o\'clock until 7 o\'clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home. The family respectfully requests no flowers, and suggests memorials to St. Jude\'s Children\'s Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis, Tennessee 38101. Online condolences may be sent to the McNeal family at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the McNeal family.