Hansel Harold Mcneil

Hansel McNeil Hudson - Hansel Harold McNeil 65, of Hudson went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 26, 2013. He was born September 20, 1947, the only child of Harold Younger McNeil and Vetra Florence McNeil who preceded him in death. He is survived by his best friend and love of his life, his wife Diana Laxton McNeil to whom he was married 45 years – he is also survived by his children, Carrie Alexandra McNeil of the home, John Glenn McNeil and wife Sareatha of Hudson, Laura McNeil Clontz and husband Mark of Lenoir, N.C., his beloved grandchildren Tabatha Irene McNeil, Samantha Ann McNeil, Samara Alexis McNeil, Sara Lynn Clontz, and Emma Grace Clontz. He befriended and helped many others who passed through their home and to which he claimed as his children especially one daughter Rebecca Laxton Welch of Atlanta G.A. He also left behind his loving sister and brother-in-law Jerry and Jane Cole. Hansel was a Vietnam veteran who has suffered many years of illness due to his service there as a result of Agent Orange exposure, but he never let it get him down. He loved his country and was very proud of his service experience and always had a positive and hopeful attitude. He graduated high school in 1965 from Happy Valley High School and remained close to many of his classmates and enjoyed his reunions even though it was difficult for him to attend. He was a licensed barber beginning his career at Avon Barber Shop in Lenoir until being drafted into the Army where he was a combat medic. When he returned from Vietnam, he worked for a short time as a barber at Laxton’s Hickory Plaza Barber Shop. He then started his career as a paramedic in Caldwell EMS and then finishing his career in Catawba EMS with over 29 years until his illness caused him to retire. He loved his church, his family; his dogs Penny and Zoe and enjoyed the outdoors. He was a fisherman and loved hunting with his buddies especially one who took him out west many times and supported him as he hunted – Randy McMillian who he lovingly referred to as his other son. The family is especially thankful to his many friends in the EMS and to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care staff for their loving support during those difficult times. He was especially fond of Dottie Metzger, Chuck Crisp, Jenny Patterson, Sharon Robbins, Dr. Dennice Herman, and Dr. Robert Belk who he lovingly referred to as family. The family will accept flowers or memorials to Caldwell County Hospice or to the Carrie McNeil College Fund at the Bank of Granite in Hudson in the name of Diana McNeil for Carrie McNeil. Services for Hansel will be Tuesday April 30 at 4 PM with receiving from 2-4 PM at Mount Zion Baptist Church with the Rev. Ed Warren and Rev. John Green. Pallbearers will be his friends at the EMS. The interment will be at the Mount Zion Cemetery. PDF Printable Version