Joseph McNeil obit

Major General Joseph McNeil, member of the Greensboro four, has died

 He was not on the list.

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Family members have confirmed to WECT that Major General Joseph McNeil has died of Parkinson’s disease.

“It’s just a great, a great loss,” Mark Wade, McNeil’s cousin, said.

A Wilmington native, Major General McNeil and three others played a major role in North Carolina’s Civil Rights movement.

The four men made history on Feb. 1, 1960, when they refused to give up their seats at a segregated lunch counter in Greensboro.

Their peaceful protest helped lead to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Deborah Maxwell, the president of the North Carolina NAACP, grew up in Wilmington, and feels proud that McNeil’s roots lead back to home.

“It’s wonderful to know that there is someone from your hometown who has such an impact on the world - little old Wilmington and he changed the course of civil rights history.”

Major General McNeil graduated from Williston Senior High School in 1959.

He attended A&T State University in Greensboro on a full scholarship and graduated with a degree in engineering physics.

Major General McNeil went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force.

A portion of Third Street in downtown Wilmington is dedicated as Major General Joseph McNeil Commemorative Way.

In a statement, Bertha Boykin Todd, a well-known former educator at Williston and Hoggard High School and activist, told WECT that Major General McNeil was a “giant among humankind.”

“He was a leader who was educated at Williston Senior High School: Specifically in Government by Mr. Lowe. Not only did Major McNeill learn the specifics in government, but he also assimilated that information and implemented it when at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (A & T State University). I remember him as an up-and-coming young man with integrity and who knew the difference between right and wrong. As one of the “Greensboro 4”, Joseph not only “talked the talk” but he also “walked the walk” by participating in a sit-in with four of his classmates at a Woolworth’s lunch counter in Greensboro, NC on February 1, 1960. He and his classmates challenged the policy not serving black people. Mr. Lowe would bring his classes into the library to research and learn about the US Government and its rules and laws. As the librarian of Williston at the time, I helped to organize materials for Lowe, and his classes would use. Mr. McNeill’s legacy will live on… Joseph, rest, my friend. Your work is done. Today’s young people should take heed, learn, and adhere to the rules and laws that govern our nation and carry the torch forward."

Bertha Boykin Todd

Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo issued a statement on Facebook, writing that Major General McNeil will be missed.

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Major General Joseph McNeil, a native of Wilmington whose courage during the civil rights movement and lifetime of service to this country made him a true American hero. Joe was also a longtime friend, and his strength of character left a lasting impression on me.

I was honored to work with City Council to designate a portion of Third Street in his name, a small way to recognize the impact he had on both our city and our nation. His legacy will continue to guide and inspire future generations.

Wilmington has lost one of its greatest sons, and he will be missed.

Mayor Bill Saffo

Wade said While McNeil is no longer here, his message remains the same.

“It’s wonderful to know that there is someone from your hometown who has such an impact on the world - little old Wilmington and he changed the course of civil rights history,” Wade said.