Deacon Freddie B. McNeil

MCNEIL, Deacon Freddie B. - passed away Sunday, September 7, 2014 at Genesys Health Park-Grand Blanc, MI. Family hour 5:30 p.m. Friday, September 12, 2014 at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 1083 E. Stewart Ave. with funeral service commencing at 6:30 p.m. Dr. Lewis Randolph officiating. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 5:30 p.m. Friday. Deacon McNeil may be viewed at the church from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Friday. "I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do." St. John 17:4 On May 29, 1949, God blessed Freddie & Esther Jones McNeil with their first born of 10 children, a beautiful, healthy baby boy that they named Freddie. He accepted Christ at an early age and joined Liberty Branch Missionary Baptist Church in Moscow, Tenn. where he was active in youth activities. Deacon Freddie was educated in the Fayette County Public School System graduating from Fayette Ware High School in Somerville, Tenn. From there, he enrolled in Tennessee State University majoring in Plant Science. There were many great events during his college tenure, including graduating with a BS degree and meeting his future wife LaDon Goodman who he proposed to on Valentine’s Day. They were married and began a wonderfully blessed life together. After completing an internship with the United States Department of Agriculture in Miles City, Montana, Freddie was hired and remained a faithful, cooperative and knowledgeable employee. Deacon Freddie and LaDon were blessed with two children, Mia D. McNeil and Frederick L. McNeil. Upon locating to Grand Blanc, MI, Deacon Freddie and family united with the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Flint, Michigan under the leadership of Moderator Lewis Randolph. During his time at Antioch, he served faithfully in many ministries in the church including as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and a member of The Mighty Voices of Thunder. As a deacon, Bro. Freddie was always actively involved in worship services. He was never reluctant about witnessing, praise and making a joyful noise unto the Lord. He was very supportive in Kingdom building and had a great passion for creating opportunities for the work of the church. As an employee, Deacon McNeil was a dedicated worker for the Natural Resources Conservation Service for 41 years. He was very passionate about learning new techniques to improve the lives of farmers all over the state of Michigan. However, he believed that his role was much bigger in this capacity. It was always important to him to ensure that there was diversity and equity in USDA. He was also an active officer in National Association of Professional Black Employees and was the former chairman of the Michigan Association of Professional Black Employees. Under his tutelage, the state organization hosted an annual Black History Program at the state headquarters. In his spare time, he enjoyed sharing time with family, traveling, taking his training in agriculture and using that to beautify the community and make it more sustainable. A civic-minded individual, he generously contributed countless hours to community endeavors. He enjoyed landscaping and it was not uncommon to hear him talking about his plans for a new urban gardening project. But it was in these activities that he enjoyed mentoring young men of the church and the community in these skills. Bro. McNeil had a kind, cooperative and generous spirit. His attitude and spirit exhibited Matt 5:9 which reads, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God.” During the past few years, Bro. McNeil faced and overcame many serious health challenges; however, like Job and Paul, his patience and faith sustained him during his many trials and tribulations. He remembered the scripture which admonishes us to be thankful in all things. Deacon McNeil leaves in God's care, his wife of 41 years, LaDon; two children, Mia D. McNeil, Lansing, Michigan; Frederick L. McNeil, Grand Blanc, Michigan; five brothers, Elder Willie (Helen) and Tim, both of Memphis, Tennessee; Ricky (Sharon) Dolton, IL; Gregory, Charlotte, North Carolina, Artra (Kewonni), Nashville Tennessee; four sisters: Alberta (Thomas) Yarbary, Moscow, Tennessee; Jean (Curtis) Corlew; Pearl and Glandia McNeil, Nashville, Tennessee; two sisters-in-law Edna Goodman, Detroit, Michigan; Mae (James) Taylor, Cordova, Tennessee; one brother-in-law Willie James (Carolyn) Goodman Detroit, Michigan; two aunts, Pearlie Hykes, Memphis, Tennessee; Selma Woodard, Pasadena, California; two uncles; Rev. Alonzo L. Jones, Memphis; John D. (Alice) Jones, Moscow, Tennessee; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and wonderful and caring church members. "…Be thou faithful until death and I will give you a crown of life." Revelation 2:10

Deacon Freddie B. McNeil

May 29, 1949 - September 7, 2014