Roosevelt McNeil

I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

II Timothy 4:7-8KJV

Brother Roosevelt McNeil Jr. went home to the Lord peacefully on December 8, 2024, at the age of 74. Roosevelt was born to Roosevelt McNeil Sr. & Jennie Mae Hobbs McNeil on November 6, 1950 in Jackson, Mississippi. Roosevelt was the second oldest of seven children.

He was a proud graduate of Lanier High School and Jackson State University where he was a member of the band, honor society and jazz ensemble. As a veteran, Roosevelt served in the U.S. Army, activated during the last draft of Mississippi, and was deployed to Germany. He later worked for and retired from IBM.

Roosevelt was united in Holy Matrimony to Deborah Burkhalter, on January 31st, 1982, on his favorite day of the week, Sunday. Married for 42 years, they were blessed with three loving children; Ebonee, Jonathan and Adam. Grandfather a.k.a Papa to Noah his beloved faithful grandson. They all reside in Denton County, Texas.

Brother Roosevelt was a devoted and faithful member of One Community Church and Church of Christ Holiness USA. Over the years he served on the Communion team at One Community (Plano), Superintendent of Sunday School at Christ Temple, Deacon at Plainview Mt. Hermon and Deacon, Head of HYPU, Bible Quiz Captain, Drill Team Leader at Plainview Baton Rouge. He served many roles in the local church, district and diocese conferences for the Church of Christ Holiness USA.

Roosevelt was a man of strong unwavering faith, (“But without faith it is impossible to please him” …Hebrews 11:6 KJV). He endured 20 years of dialysis trusting in his Lord knowing the heart of God. Roosevelt believed in things being done right and respectfully. ( “Let all things be done decently and in order.” I Corinthians 14:40 KJV). Roosevelt used wisdom to lead people to Christ. (“...He that winneth souls is wise. Proverbs 11:30” KJV). He sent out songs, scriptures and passages daily through text, planting seeds of love and faith. His positive outlook, generous spirit, and kind heart left an impression wherever he went.

He enjoyed discussing history: Hobbs family, African American, Lanier High School, City of Jackson and Church of Christ Holiness. He was excellent with numbers and his memory was outstanding. He enjoyed studying the Word, listening to sermons, watching Mash, laughing, cooking and discussing scripture. He would talk for hours to friends and family and loved telling jokes, he always wanted to leave you on a cheerful note. He was a Cowboys fan since the beginning with unwavering faith in their winning capabilities.