John William McNeal

After a long battle with multiple ailments, John William McNeal, 88, of Buford Georgia, also known as Mac and J.W., passed away Sunday, May 30, 2021.

The son of the Reverend Norman and Mamie McNeal and the brother of Jimmie Ree Rundles was born in Hall County and grew up on the family farm.  He delighted in tormenting his sister and pulling pranks with his friends. Upon graduating from Sardis High School and attending Truett McConnell College, John joined the United States Air Force where, during the Korean War, he spent the majority of his time training recruits at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, and was medically retired after ten years of service. 

John married Lanell McNeal and they returned to Georgia to raise four children. His career was in the automotive industry as a service manager. He retired from Nash Chevrolet in Lawrenceville.

John was married to Evelyn Dunagan for over thirty years. He missed her greatly and was lost after her death.

He was a proud member of the American Legion and took great pride in participating in fundraising events and the American Legion Riders.

John inherited the position of family storyteller and comedian upon the death of his father. Racing motorcycles in the desert, training and riding horses, and later riding his Harley trike, he lived fully and used ten of his nine lives. To know John was to love him. He had a huge personality and brightened the lives of everyone that knew him.

John McNeal is survived by his children, Patti Lewis (Dan), Norman McNeal, Capt USMC Retired Kenny McNeal (Christal), and Sharon Barrett (Randy); his grandchildren, Chris Lewis, Jacob Shoaf, SSGT Avery McNeal USA, Matt Lewis, Lauren Shoaf Cole, Keely McNeal, Courtney McNeal, Kyla Kirby, Riley Kirby, McKenna Kirby, Reagan McNeal, Hudson Barrett, Tristan McNeal, and Ryland Barrett; several great grandchildren; stepchildren, Ken Dunagan (Terri), Tim Dunagan, Bradley Dunagan, and step-grandchildren, Jennifer Smith (Andy), Cody Dunagan, Nick Dunagan, and Lanny Dunagan; and his special companion of over ten years, Susan Smith.

He is predeceased by his wife, Evelyn Dunagan, his parents, sister, and his oldest son, Johnny.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Legion Post # 127, Sugar Hill.

Visitation will be from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Monday, June 7, 2021. John's funeral will take place immediately afterward in the Memorial Park Chapel. Interment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Road, Gainesville GA 30504 is in charge of arrangements.