Charles William McNeill, better known by everyone as Bill, passed away April 5th, 2024, quietly at Plainwell Pines Nursing Center in Kalamazoo County, Michigan, at the age of 73. Bill was the second oldest of the five McNeill boys.
Bill graduated with honors from Paw Paw High School, he also graduated from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. Bill had a passion and love for singing and was extremely gifted in bilingual studies. As a result, while attending Western Michigan University, Bill traveled with the Choral Choir performing in Europe. Bill also was an interpreter for a professor traveling to Guatemala traveling for mission work while in school. Bill had traveled to Mexico, Texas, and back home to Michigan helping those in the Spanish speaking community who only knew and spoke Spanish.
Bill loved playing the piano, working in the garden, especially tending to his flowers. Bill loved his family, friends, and had a remarkable ability to remember people and events. Bill had a deep concern and care for others.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers: Michael John McNeill, Robert Joseph McNeill, and Daniel Craig McNeill.
He is survived by his brother Thomas James McNeill residing in Ocala, Florida and wife; Phyllis (Ampey) McNeill residing in Paw Paw.
Special remembrance for Bill’s care at Plainwell Pines Care Center, Advanced Adult Care in Lawrence, Michigan (Administrator Bob Minot), Van Buren County Mental Health (Pam Baney), good friend, John Dorsey and Phyllis McNeill who loved and supported Bill with his many challenges with mental health during their marriage. Lastly, the love God showed Bill in his time here until his journey finished, he is now home with the Lord.
Cremation has taken place. A graveside memorial for Bill will be held at a later date at Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Paw Paw.
In leiu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Mary’s Church in Paw Paw where Bill worshipped.