Neil Archibald MacDonald, Jr.

Final Roll Call and End of Watch, called to Our Lord, Supreme Commander, to guard heaven’s scenes, and rejoin past loved ones...

Neil Archibald MacDonald Jr. passed peacefully on October 21, 2018 in West Monroe, New York. He was 87.

Neil is predeceased in death by his parents; Neil Archibald MacDonald, Sr. and Pearl Viola Weller (formerly MacDonald, nee Grubb).

Neil married Mary Ann (nee Labon) October 17, 1953 and she passed on January 17, 1971. On November 24, 1972, he wed Norma Ann (nee Coppin) and she passed on June 21, 2000.

His daughter Leslie A. Tullis, who passed on September 13, 2004.

Neil was born on February 13, 1931 in Detroit, Michigan. He graduated from Lakeview High School, St. Clair Shores, Michigan in 1948. After his military service, Neil earned his Bachelor’s of Science degree from Lawrence Technological University, Detroit Michigan on June 15, 1958.

Military Service- United States Marine Corps: 1948 to 1952

Neil completed Boot Camp at MCRD San Diego, followed by subsequent military schools in Communications, Amphibious Training, Artillery, and Forward Observer.

Called to arms, Neil then served in the Korean War from January 1951 to March 1952.  Upon disembarkment at Pusan, South Korea, he was initially assigned to C Battery, 1st Battalion, 11th Marines. Neil then became part of a Forward Observer team and assigned to H Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division.

Neil’s participation in combat engagements include: Pusan Perimeter, Battle of Bloody Ridge, Battle of the Punchbowl, Wonju, and Hwacheon Reservoir.

Neil’s USMC Service Awards are: Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Medal w/Ribbon, Korean Service Medal w/Ribbon and 5 Stars, United Nations Korean Service Medal w/Ribbon, Republic of Korea War Service Medal w/Ribbon, American Campaign Ribbon, Selected Marine Corps Reserve Ribbon, and the Korean Commemorative Ribbon.

Neil was a retired Civil Engineer, specializing in Structural Rigging and Construction. Companies he was employed by were; Fluor Corporation, American Hoist & Derrick Company, Stone & Webster, Ebasco, and Soltek Pacific. Projects ranged from oil refineries, nuclear power plants, military installations, and U.S. Embassy. Locations were worldwide in the United Kingdom, Egypt, Venezuela, Iran, Puerto Rico, Kuwait, and multiple stateside locations. Neil was considered an early pioneer in crane rigging operations and was widely respected in his field.

Neil had a great love of life, of the Lord, and all of his Family. He loved well and was well loved. He always took the time to listen, offer his advice, and then a hug. He also enjoyed telling his stories; his experiences around the world.

Neil’s interests included general and military history, watching golf, baseball, college basketball, and playing cards Neil has been a Little League baseball coach and umpire. He also acted as a youth basketball referee, and was a volunteer at several PGA events.  Neil especially enjoyed travelling, and during his life, mostly so with those very special to him, to all sorts of locations- by plane, train, ship, and truck RV.

Neil was a very proud and active member of the Marine Corps League, a charter member of the LCPL Alan D, Lam Detachment- #1209 in Burlington, NC. He held assignment as the first Sergeant of the Guard, started and oversaw the Honor Guard Rifle and Flag detail- of which he enjoyed the camaraderie and duty they performed. With some of these ceremonies, Neil and his son, Michael- also a Marine, did together- both proudly enjoying that time.

In 2014, Neil was honored by the Marine Corps League as Marine of the Year, and at the Marine Corps League Ball- was the invited Guest of Honor. Neil’s time there was cherished and valued greatly- mentoring many along the way- as one of the “Old Corps”. Upon relocating to the State of New York with Sally, Neil became a member of Marine Corps League Detachment Lz Old Corps, #999 out of Camden, New York.    

Neil is survived by his wife; Sally Ann MacDonald- with whom has a most enriching marriage for the past 13 years together, being married on November 20, 2004. A love, filled with laughter and memories to last a lifetime. Both also shared their mutual faith in the Lord. With Sally too- little Angel; their special canine, who adored Neil so very much.

He is survived by his son; Michael N. MacDonald, his wife Keri, a daughter Miss Laura M. MacDonald, and a son, Derek C. Stevens. His legacy also includes five grandchildren; Ian Neil MacDonald, Corie Ann MacDonald, Chloe Lane MacDonald, Jeremy Tullis, and Mallory Tullis.

Neil was fortunate to have a loving and supportive extended family. He is also survived by; Gerald Miles, his wife Sharon- with daughters Rachel and Sarah, Greg Miles, Gary Miles- with son Little Gary, Glenn Miles, his wife Boo- with children Glennie, Patrick, Elizabeth and Danny, and Kim Sikes, her husband John- with children Abigail and Miles.

Many others, including family and friends were impacted by Neil’s compassion for others. These friends, in which Neil had a special place in his great big heart for, will feel rewarded in having the relationship each had.

Calling hours will be from 1pm to 3pm, following with a memorial service at 3 pm, taking place on Friday November 2, 2018 at at the Parish United Methodist Church, Parish New York. A Marine Corps League Honor Guard will be present, with a casket guard and Rifle Squad. Following the service, there will be food and refreshments at the Fire Hall, hosted by the members of the Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to The Wounded Warrior Project at

www.woundedwarroirproject.org   

Those who wish to express condolences, goodbyes, stories- may go online at;

www.traubfuneralhome.com

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to The Traub Funeral Home family. The Marine Corps League LZ Old Corps, Detachment #999 Honor Guard Detail from Camden, New York. Pastor Richard Barling, and the Parish United Methodist Church.

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