McNeal, Darrell “Duke” G., 80, December 28, 2014. Interment was held in the Fountain of Memories Cremorials.
CLEARWATER, FL – Darrell “Duke” George McNeal, 80, passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2014 at the Mease Dunedin Hospital.
He leaves his wife of 64 years, Christine Jean (Sheppard) McNeal (born Fort Fairfield); his daughters, Cheryl Lopes and husband, Edward, of Florida, and Paula Fontenault and husband, Roger, of Maryland; his son Curtis McNeal and wife, Debra, of California; ten grandchildren, Kristin, Jason, Daryl, Tiffany, Kylee, Sherry, Beth, Anthony, Soloman, and Jeremiah; eighteen great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. He is survived by two brothers, Samuel McNeal of GA and Lynn McNeal of Maine; and two sisters, Gloria Tomlinson of TX and Judith Stedt of Maine.
He was born and raised in Caribou to Edward and Marion (Hallett) McNeal where he worked on the family farm until he joined the State of Maine inspection service. Then joining the USDA FFA inspection service, ending his 40-plus years as a supervisor in the state of California, retiring to Florida in 1989.
His passion for reading included the history of WW II and aviation, culminating in the flying of a warbird test plane on his 70th birthday, which had been a lifelong dream. He was known for his sense of humor and being a great storyteller.
A viewing was held on December 30, 2014 at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park and Funeral Home in Clearwater, FL, with private burial at the Fountain of Memories Cremorials.
