Ernest was born on March 15, 1945 in Broadway, NC to his loving mother, Mildred McNeill who passed away when young Ernest was just 9 years old. After the untimely passing of his mother, Ernest lived with his uncle and aunt, Cleveland & Alice McNeill. He shared memories about growing up with his cousins in Zebulon, NC and attending James E. Sheppard High School. Living in the country he knew the meaning of hard work as a young boy.
Ernest moved to Sanford, NC following his Uncle Cleveland’s passing and attended WB Wicker High School where he also played football. After high school he began working but had aspirations to elevate his career so he moved to New York City for greater opportunities. Eventually he landed a job at United Parcel Service (UPS) initially he worked in the warehouse-and he moved up in the company becoming a tractor trailer truck driver with the United Parcel Service. Ernest married Nancy Louise Reid in 1971 and from their union they had two daughters. In 1985 he had a life-changing truck accident, resigned from his position as a truck driver and spent the next couple of years rehabilitating himself. After overcoming many obstacles he was able to drive again and became an entrepreneur with his own cab and limousine service from which he retired.
Ernest returned to triad area of North Carolina in 2004. He was an active member of Love and Faith Christian Fellowship where he served on the prison ministry. Ernest loved ministering and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others. He loved being in the presence of God and everyone knew when he was in the house of the Lord because although he was a quiet man he was not quiet when praising the Lord. He continued his work life as a retiree and a security guard. He also was a foster parent and cared for troubled youth in his home for several years. He was a loving grandfather and doted on his grandchildren visiting them often. Ernest was a loyal, dependable and humble person.
Ernest McNeill’s mother was the late Mildred McNeill, grandparents Danny McNeill & Minnie Chalmers McNeill. His youngest daughter also preceded him in death, Latresha Yvette McNeill at the tender age of 17 in 1998.
Left to cherish his memory are his, ex-wife, Nancy Louise Reid-McNeill, daughter, Theresha Renee McNeill (Christopher Daniel Hodnett, Sr.), grandchildren, Hannai Cornell Bradley, Anina Yvette Hill, Brenda Renee Aniyah Hodnett, Christopher Daniel Hodnett, Jr, brother Calvin (Edna) McNeill, aunt Ruby McNeill Person (John). Special cousins Robert McNeill (Rosa), Minnie Ragland (Samuel), Louise Valentine (Rev. Charles Valentine), and a host of cousins and friends.
