[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 172 (Thursday, November 19, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2818]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO CHARLES EDWARD McNEIL

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                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 19, 2009

  Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, the City of Mobile recently lost a dear 
friend with the passing of Charles Edward McNeil, and I rise today to 
pay tribute to his memory. Mr. McNeil was a remarkable businessman, 
active citizen and committed U.S. Army Air Force pilot. He will be 
remembered by all as a man devoted to his family, his faith, and his 
country.
  A graduate of Marion Military Institute, Mr. McNeil later attended 
the University of Alabama before volunteering for the U.S. Army Air 
Force during World War II. A decorated pilot, he was captured behind 
enemy lines after being shot down by the Germans and remained in 
captivity until the end of the war.
  Coming home with two bronze stars, the Air Medal with Oak Leaf 
Cluster and two Purple Hearts, Mr. McNeil began a life of 
entrepreneurship that was as impressive as his dedication to his 
country.
  His resume included a career with Protective Life Insurance Company, 
co-founder and director of Commercial Guaranty Bank, board member of 
SouthTrust Bank, and founding co-partner in the McNeil, Jackson and 
Ahrens Financial group. He also held membership in the Million Dollar 
Roundtable since 1946. But that was just the beginning.
  Mr. McNeil also found the time to serve his community as president of 
the Mobile County School Board for no less than 17 years and he 
maintained active membership in many philanthropic, civic clubs and 
service agency boards.
  An avid sportsman and outdoorsman, Mr. McNeil exemplified the 
indomitable spirit of our Gulf Coast community. His love of life and 
tireless devotion to uplifting the lives of so many around him will be 
missed.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a 
dedicated and generous community leader and a dear friend. Our 
condolences go out to his wife, Evelyn Adelia Bell; his children, 
Millie McNeil, Marilyn Peyronni, Charles McNeil and John McNeil; and 
his seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
  Mobile--and indeed our entire state--lost a true leader and our 
thoughts and prayers are with his family.

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