Douglas Vaughn McNeill

Douglas Vaughn McNeill, 71, resident of Sarasota, FL, passed away October 1, 2024, after a short and courageous battle with leukemia. Doug was born, in Elmira, NY, but spent the majority of his formative years in Charleston, West Virginia. Doug was the fifth of six children, born to The Reverend Robert E. and Jeanne McNeill. Doug loved to tell the story of meeting the love of his life, Michele Vigneault, riding tricycles in kindergarten. They began dating in junior high school, and were married 48 years at the time of his death. Doug took great pride in playing defensive end and center on the Charleston High School Mountain Lion AAA State Championship football team, 1968-1970. A graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan College, Doug received a master’s degree in safety management from West Virginia University after which he served as an executive in the chemical and textile industries. An avid hunter of various game, Doug looked forward to his yearly hunts with his father, family members and dear friends who shared the same passion. Doug even had three dogs named Hunter—Hunter I, Hunter II, and Hunter III. Doug loved the water, the mountains, Mountain Dew, the West Virginia Mountaineers, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Other teams he followed avidly were the Pirates and Yankees. Doug lived out his Christian faith as a member of First Sarasota and served the community in vital ways through his encouraging spirit and generous, giving heart. He and Michele spearheaded the homeless ministry at the church for many years. Doug and Michele also impacted the lives of their nieces, nephews and others where they saw a need. Doug is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Michele, brothers, Robert E. McNeill, II (Robin), David B. McNeill (Kathy), Daniel C. McNeill (Darlene); sisters, Barbara Hitchcock (Jim), Bonnie McKinney (Ron); along with 13 nieces and nephews and 27 great nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 2nd, at 1:00pm, at First Sarasota The Downtown Baptist Church, 1661 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34236. Pastors John Cross and William Hild will share officiating at Doug’s service. “Those who cannot attend the service may view it online at www.firstsarasota.org.” A Reception from 2:15-3:00 will follow the service in the Family Life Center. Burial will be held on Saturday, November 2nd, at 3:30pm, at Palms Memorial Park, 170 Honore Ave, Sarasota, FL 34232. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Sarasota, 1661 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34236, or Samaritan’s Purse, 801 Bamboo Road, Boone, NC 28607.

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Douglas Vaughn McNeill

November 27, 1952 - October 1, 2024