McNeil Kelly, 82, of Kelly passed peacefully from his earthly life on Thursday, September 19, 2013 at Lower Cape Fear Hospice and LifeCareCenter.

He was born November 4, 1930 in Bladen County, the son of the late Francis McCall Kelly and Ruth Horrell Kelly. McNeil was also preceded in death by four brothers.

McNeil is survived by his wife of 60 years, Norma Jean Carlyle Kelly; daughters, Debra "Debbie" Jean Palermo (Roger) and Wanda Gail Ferretti both of Wilmington; son, Jerry Lloyd Kelly of Rochester, NY; grandchildren, Melody Clayton (Alex), Michael "Trey" Von Strickland III, Joshua Kelly, Christopher Kelly and Sarah Ferretti; three great grandchildren; sisters, Elsie Duvall of Jacksonville, FL, Juanita Moore of Wilmington, Frances Metts of Kelly and Ann Layton of Monroe; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

McNeil served his country proudly in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. For many years he worked at E. I. DuPont Company in Kinston and later at Federal Paper Board. He was a faithful member of Centerville Baptist Church where he willingly gave of his time and talents.

McNeil was an honorable Christian gentleman who took excellent care of his beloved family. He had a positive attitude toward life and always looked for the best in everything and everyone. He loved his Lord and lived his life with trust and faith. McNeil possessed a keen intellect, sharp wit and engaging personality. Amongst the legacies McNeil will leave are the importance of God, Family and Country. McNeil now rests in the arms of Jesus.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at Centerville Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. until hour of the service.

Memorial gifts may be given to Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation, 1414 Physicians Dr., Wilmington, NC 28401.

Condolences may be sent to the family by selecting "Memory Wall" above.
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at Centerville Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. until hour of the service.