George Thomas McNeill, 87, of Punta Gorda, Fla., passed away Friday, Dec. 28, 2012.

He was born Jan. 17, 1925, in St. Louis, Mo.

George served aboard the USS South Dakota during World War II. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy in 1946, at the rank of Gunner’s Mate, Second Class. George worked for the Boeing Corporation in St. Louis after the war until his retirement in 1988, and relocated to Punta Gorda. He worked for many years as a member of the Alligator Creek Waterway MSBU Advisory Committee, and retired in November 2002. George served as an honorary member of the Florida Sheriff’s Association for 23 years, and was a member of the American Legion. A Deacon and active member of the First Baptist Church of Charlotte Harbor, he sang in the church choir and worked with the youth group. George was an avid fisherman, with a great love for Florida’s natural beauty. A true patriot, George McNeill lived his life as a witness to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

He is survived by his wife, Florence Owens McNeill of Punta Gorda; step-daughter and son in law, Debra and George Romer of Arcadia, Fla.; step-son and daughter-in-law, Donald and Jackie Owens of St. Peters, Mo.; step- son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Laurie Owens of St. Charles, Mo.; step-son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Deborah Owens of Bourbon, Mo.; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren; sisters, Marge Glazer of Hot Springs, Ark., and Cora Beggs of St. Louis.

The family will receive friends from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m., Friday, Jan. 4, 2013, at the First Baptist Church of Charlotte Harbor, 4506 Church St., Charlotte Harbor, FL 33980-3229. The funeral service will follow at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 4, 2013, at the church with Pastor Thomas Simmons officiating. Burial with military honors will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Fla. In lieu of flowers, Mr. McNeill requested that donations be made in his memory to the new education building of the First Baptist Church of Charlotte Harbor.

Please visit kays-ponger.com to leave the family condolences, and to sign the online guestbook.

Arrangements are by Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home, Punta Gorda Chapel.