Leonard Lewis Mcneely

Leonard "Sonny" L. McNeely, Sr., 77, passed away peacefully at the VA Medical Center, Vanderbilt University Hospital, on May 5, 2020. Sonny was born on December 14, 1942 in Spring Hill, TN to William Spivey and Maggie Ellen Tomlin-McNeely and was the seventh and oldest son of nine wonderful children. In 1959 he joined the United States Marine Corps and was assigned to Parris Island, SC for recruit training. Upon graduation, he received specialized Tanker training and was sent to his first duty station Quantico, VA. Sonny had the high honor of marching in John F. Kennedy's Presidential Inaugural Parade on January 20, 1961.

A veteran of The Vietnam War, Sonny led Marines as an M48A3 "Patton" and M67A1 "Zippo" Tank Commander. Sonny has the distinction of becoming the youngest promotable E-6 Staff Sergeant in 1965. In 1968 Sonny was Honorably Discharged. He began working in the Gulf of Mexico. Sonny later retired as a successful tractor trailer owner-operator and spent the remainder of his days fishing, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. Sonny was especially fond of his brethren at the VFW Post 164 in Citronelle, AL.

Those left behind to cherish Sonny's memories and carry on his legacy are his loving wife of 31 years: Jacqueline McNeely of the home; his loving sister, Betty Jo Stinnett of Culleoka, TN; three sons and daughters in law; Ray and Dina McNeely of Osan AB, South Korea, Lewis and Trish McNeely of Cleveland, TN, Leonard "Smokey" L. McNeely, Jr. of Harvey, LA, and five daughters and sons in law; eldest T. McNeely-Baker and Darren Plunkett of North Augusta, SC, Crystal and Eric Moore-Hardman of Overland Park, KS; Annette Deering of Maryville, MO; Tina K. Morrow and Randy L. Smith of Pulaski, TN; and Deborah and Bubba Reed-Boothe of Chunchula, AL. His legacy includes eleven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Sonny is preceded in death by his daughter, Beverly Maudean, who died in infancy, Maudean Reed-McNeely and siblings Joyce, Bernice, Faye, Mary, Billy, Connie and Ronnie.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2020, at the Neon Moon of Riverside Drive in Columbia, with a ride to follow to Harvey Cemetery in Spring Hill. Graveside service will be held at Harvey cemetery in Spring Hill at 3:00 p.m. Herbert Griffin Post 19, will perform military honors.

Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences can be given to the family online at www.williamsfh.com . To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Leonard Lewis McNeely please visit our Sympathy Store.