Mr. Willie James McNeal, Sr., age 94, passed from this life on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at approximately 5:57 a.m. at St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima, Ohio.

Mr. Willie James McNeal was born in Dothan, Alabama to Mary (Hammonds) and James McNeal. He moved to Lima, Ohio when he was 19 years old and worked for General Motors for 10 years. He then began his many entrepreneurial endeavors which sustained him for the duration of his life. He was a member of Philippian Missionary Baptist Church where he sang in the choir and was a faithful member of the Senior Usher’s Ministry. Mr. McNeal loved being amongst family and traveling, especially to wherever there was family. He had a competitive spirit, truly believed that he could do all things, and if challenged he would show you. He had a way of capturing attention and unintentionally made almost everything he said funny. He enjoyed sharing stories of his childhood and simply being wherever his wife was. Prior to his failing health, Mr. McNeal exercised daily, enjoyed fishing and camping, and appreciated just driving around town and talking to whoever crossed his path.

Besides his wife Gladys (Guice) McNeal, he leaves to cherish his precious memory 5 sons; Keith Chukes of Columbus, Ohio, Vernon Bradley (Chasity) of Dayton, Ohio, Roger McNeal of Dothan, Alabama, Willie J. McNeal, Jr. of Utah, and Kendall Brown of Dallas, Texas. 3 daughters; Kerry Chukes of Lima, Ohio. Candace Chukes of Cincinnati, Ohio, Vicky Callahan of Georgia. 5 bonus daughters; LaGracia Guice-Williams of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Alicia (Donald) Brew of Washington, DC . Andrea Deneen Guice, Bonnie Lou (Lawrence) Morgan and Theresa Ann (Dennis) Henry all of Lima, Ohio. 24 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren. A brother; James (Jacqueline) Smith of Dothan, Alabama. 2 sisters; Mary E. Gilespie of Dothan, Alabama and Minnie Smith of Louisville, Kentucky. A host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by a brother; Lillice Jean McNeal.

Home Going Services will be held Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Philippian Missionary Baptist Church with Dr. B. Lamont Monford, Sr., officiating.

Visitation/Wake will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. until time of services also at the Church.

Entombment: Woodlawn Mausoleum

Services entrusted to: JONES-CLARK FUNERAL HOME, INC.

To order flowers and to offer condolences to the MCNEAL Family, visit www.jonesclarkfuneralhome.com