Norman Leon McNeil's Obituary
Norman Leon McNeil, born on January 16, 1949, in Fort Worth, Texas, and earned his angel wings on January 23, 2024, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. A dedicated Vietnam veteran, Norman served in the 101st Airborne Division from August 26, 1965, to August 18, 1969, and went on to serve in Korea. His military service earned him several awards, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.
After his military tenure, Norman pursued education at Arkansas Tech University Ozark Campus, completing the technical program in air conditioning and refrigeration. He worked for ten years at Cargill before joining the Veterans Healthcare System of the Ozarks in the air conditioning plant in 1981. Norman dedicated 30 years to federal employment with the Department of Veterans Affairs, retiring on April 1, 2011.
Known for his easy-going nature, Norman found joy in genealogy, science, and travel. He cherished time with family and friends. He enjoyed traveling to new places with his wife of 24 years, Cheryl Anne Wilson Murtishaw McNeil. They met and married while both were employed at the Veterans Healthcare System of the Ozarks. He was especially honored to have been able to visit the Tomb of the Unknown Solider to pay respect to those who have fallen for our country.
Norman is survived by wife, Cheryl Anne Wilson Murtishaw McNeil; his daughter April Star Ulrich (Richard), son Mickey McNeil, stepdaughter Teresa Anne Lemon and husband Chevy Clark, and grandchildren Montana Franklin Ulrich, Dawson Wayne Ulrich, Hunter Scott Ulrich, and Makayla Bell Ulrich. He is preceded in death by his father, Jesse Leon McNeil, and mother, Betty Jo Whitney McNeil.
A graveside service will be held on February 9, 2024 at 11:30 am, where Norman will be laid to rest at Fayetteville National Cemetery. Services are entrusted with Moore’s Chapel of Fayetteville. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the charity of your choice.
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