Elder Horace McNeil, 81

MILTON - Elder Horace McNeil of Milton died, after a long illness, Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2006, in his home, with his wife by his side. He was 81.

Elder McNeil was born May 28, 1925, in Ahoskie, N.C., son of the late James and Zettie McNeil.

He attended the public schools in North Carolina.

Later, he moved to Petersburg, Va., where he played piano and directed several choirs. He moved to Lewes in the early 1960s, and worked for the Fish Products Co.

Elder McNeil joined Friendship Baptist Church, Lewes, where he served as deacon and musician, and directed several choirs. He later joined St. Peter's and Friends Church, Coolspring. He was the founder and pastor of "St. Paul's Pentecostal Fellowship Church of the Lord Jesus Christ."

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by seven sisters; and eight brothers.

He is survived by his loving wife, Marie Vickers McNeil; a stepson, Edward Randolph Bowles; a stepdaughter, Annette White; three adopted sons, Granford Butler, Alvin Hill and Dennis Milbourne; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Services will be noon Tuesday in Friendship Baptist Church, Lewes, where friends may call two hours earlier.

Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover.