Ronald McNeil

Ron, a self-described “Raleigh-ite Mandingo” who was reborn many times both medically and spiritually, peacefully transitioned on 11/07/2020. He was at home under the care of Transitions Hospice and his sometimes medically overprotective wife Vicki Hewitt-McNeil.

A 1970 graduate of JW Ligon High School, Ron proudly attended North Carolina Central University on a football scholarship where he played defensive end and was later drafted by the Cleveland Browns.

After being sidelined by injuries, he returned to Raleigh and had an extended career with ConAgra Foods where he later retired.

Ron made the decision to join the Catholic Faith after attending services with his wife stating that “there was a rainbow of people praying together the way that God intended and asked God if he could walk the walk”.

Ron was a member of the Knights of St. Peter Claver and Kappa Alpha Psi.

Athletics remained extremely important to him and he coached soft ball teams with the City of Raleigh and Special Olympic games.

Ron’s parents, Charlie and Dorothrene and his brother Charles preceded him in death. He was also predeceased by his in-law’s Sam & Frances Hewitt and Sammy Hewitt.

His departure leaves an unimaginable emptiness for his wife, Vicki Hewitt-McNeil and his stepson, Jerome Hewitt Jenkins. He is survived by his sister, Dorothea Alston; sisters-in love Kim and Maria Hewitt, and Yvonne McNeil; His brother-in love is Brett Hewitt. He also leaves behind a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.

A memorial service will be announced at a future date.

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