Mr. Carl McNeil passed away peacefully while surrounded by his loving family at his home on Thursday, May 28, 2026. He was 96 years old.

Funeral service will be held to honor his life on Monday, June 1, 2026 at 3:00 P.M. in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home with Reverend Eddie Biss and Reverend Travis Free officiating and Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 P.M. and continuing until service time. Burial will follow at Slocomb City Cemetery.

Mr. Carl McNeil was born in Rehobeth, Alabama on August 9, 1929, to the late Henry T. and Minnie Bea Eldridge McNeil. He graduated from Rehobeth High School in 1948 where he was co-captain of the first Rehobeth High School football team in 1947-1948. During his high school years, he also was a Rehobeth School bus driver. He proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Corporal from 1950 until 1952.

Carl married the love of his life, Melba Bass McNeil, and together they built a loving home while raising their daughter and son. He was known for his strong work ethic and dedication to providing for his family. Following his military service, he worked in manufacturing for many years, including 25 years at Dothan Hosiery Mill and retiring after 14 years from GE Motor Plant, but farming was always his true calling. Whether before sunrise, after long work days, or on weekends, Carl devoted countless hours to tending his fields, caring for his cows and land, and maintaining the farming tradition he cherished. Farming was more than an occupation to him – it was a lifelong passion, a source of pride, and a legacy he was honored to pass down through his family.

Above all, Carl treasured time spent with his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends. He enjoyed making cane syrup, hunting, fishing, and riding his golf cart, raising his cows, along with baling hay until he was 95. One of his greatest joys was supporting his grandchildren and great grandchildren and attending every event possible involving them.

In addition to his parents, preceding him in death was grandson, Jerad McNeil; brothers: W.T, McNeil, Andy Clyde McNeil, Harry H. “Hubert” McNeil; and sister, Lois McNeil Harrison.

Leaving behind a loving family to treasure his memories and love include his loving wife of 71 years, Melba Bass McNeil; daughter, Lisa Haynes (Barry); son, Jonathan McNeil (Regina); grandchildren: Brandi Clark (Owen), Amber McNeil, Amanda Wicker (Sam), Will Haynes(Laura); great grandchildren: Braxton Smith, Brayden Smith, Mason Clark, Miles Clark, Adyson McNeil, Amelia McNeil, Charlotte Wicker, Henry Wicker, Lucy Haynes, with one more arriving soon; other special nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

The family would also like to say a very special thank you to Gentiva Hospice for their loving care that was provided.

Serving as pallbearers will be, Will Haynes, Sam Wicker, Owen Clark, Braxton Smith, Brayden Smith, Mason Clark, and Miles Clark. Honorary Pallbearer is the late Jerad McNeil.