Charles Ward McNeil

Charles McNeil, age 70, of Arizona, passed away from complications of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) at his home on September 19, 2026.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, he was the third child of Roderick McNeil and Helen DuBois. Charles grew up in Detroit and Grand Rapids, Michigan, before joining the Army and serving with the 101st Airborne Division at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. He married his high school sweetheart, Kerry, and they moved west to San Diego where he attended National University, earning a degree in Business Management and Marketing. In 1983, he settled in Arizona, the place he called home for more than forty years.

Charles built a successful, decades-long career as a salesman in the industrial and beverage industries. Known for his sharp wit, business acumen and natural ability to connect with people, he was highly respected by colleagues and clients alike.

Outside of work, Charles lived life with a sense of adventure. He was an avid motorcycle rider and boater, a mediocre angler, and a professional humorist, who loved exploring the open road and the reservoirs of Arizona. Together with his wife, he traveled across the country on countless road trips, and spent more than three decades vacationing yearly at Lake Powell with family and friends.

He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 51 years, Kerry McNeil; his oldest daughter and her husband; his son Matthew and his wife Brittany; his grandsons Tyler (and his wife Faith) and Connor; his great-granddaughter Erin; and his brothers Roderick Jr. and Brian.

Charles was preceded in death by his youngest daughter, Sarah; his sister, Marilyn; and her husband Doug Lang.

A memorial service has not been planned at this time.