Vennis Ray Mcneill

Dateline: Fayetteville

On Mar 13.  2019 VENNIS RAY MCNEILL started his journey to meet the Lord.

Ray was the son of Dennis H. McNeil of Fayetteville N.C. Ray was presided in death by his best friend and loving mother, Epilene C. McNeill.

Ray was the grandson of Pastor Grady Carter of Lumberton, NC and grandmothers' Anliza Carter and Mary Rose McNeill

Ray also leaves behind sons, Daniel Ray McNeill and granddaughter Emry of Lumberton N.C., Jason McNeill (Amanda) and grandchildren Luke, Chandler Sanderson, Zetta Rose of Lumberton NC., daughter Jessica McNeill and grandchildren Catarina, Jackson, Logan Ray.

Ray's loving siblings and family include Sonja Crumpler & husband Rev. Charles Crumpler III, Charles Crumpler IV, Charles Crumpler V and preceded in death by, Candace Crumpler. Jeana Andrews & husband David Andrews, Justin and Lauren Andrews. Angela Pate and husband Thomas Pate and Nathan Pate. Selina M. Walker, the Rev. Jonathan McNeill and wife Cindy McNeill, Jonathan, Preston and Carson McNeill.

Ray graduated from Southview High School in Hope Mills. Ray was a star football player at Southview where he possessed a rare combination of speed and power. College recruiters began talking to Ray after his breakout Sophomore season.

Ray worked as one of the top Welder's in several nuclear power plants throughout the United States. He was also in charge of the training for the new welders during the opening for the New Nuclear Plants. Ray worked extensively in the construction and roofing business with his sons. He also enjoyed Landscaping for many friends and family.

Ray loved his God, family, friends, singing gospel music, & watching sports. Ray was a devoted Washington Redskins fan.

Ray was a member of United Pentecostal Church under the late Bishop Jessie Williams of Fayetteville N.C.

Ray will always be remembered for his desire of living life to the fullest. Ray was a man of his word and was always there for everyone. Ray had a beautiful, happy laugh that warmed your heart! With a strong hug, Ray always took the opportunity to say I love you!  Ray was always very kind & pleasant, with a great heart but also tough and resilient as well. Ray was a "One of a kind" gentle soul.

Ray was given the gift of music and would often say how much God had blessed his life. Ray took every opportunity to share Christ's word. He shared a love and a close bond with all his friends & loved ones.

Ray was a " one of a kind" sweet & loving father, son, brother, Uncle, cousin, & friend. Ray will truly be missed, and lovingly remembered!

Till we meet again, rest in peace!

We love you always as your family.

Visitation will be 3:00-4:00 PM Sunday, March 17, 2019 at Riverside Independent Baptist Church, 3644 Us Highway 74 W, Lumberton, NC 28360.

Funeral services will begin at 4:00 PM following the visitation with Rev’s Jerry McNeill, Charles Crumpler III and Jonathan McNeill officiating.

Burial will follow in Burnt Swamp Baptist Church Cemetery, 216 Evergreen Church Rd. Lumberton, NC 28360.

Services for the family are entrusted to LaFayette Funeral Home, 6651 Raeford Rd. Fayetteville, NC 28304. Condolences to the family may be made at www.LaFayetteFH.com.