DENNIS WILLIAM MCNEIL, age 69, of Belvidere, Tenn., departed this life on Friday, January 5, 2024, at STRHS Winchester, following a hard-fought battle with coronary heart disease. Mr. McNeil was born in Berkley, California to the late Richard Elam McNeil and Beverly Wille McNeil on April 12, 1954. Being of an adventurous nature, Dennis left Berkely as a young man and headed North to Fairbanks, AK. It is there that he met his first wife, Beverly Songer. They were married and had 3 children.  In 1998 Dennis met his second wife, Susan of Belvidere, Tenn. and relocated to Manley Hot Springs, Ark. They were married in a home ceremony and their marriage has lasted for 27 years.

In 2006, the dark and the cold became enough for Dennis who wanted a warmer climate. He and Susan came back to Belvidere Tenn, to retire. He quickly became bored with retirement and took a job at the convenience center in Old Salem. There he made connections and many friends. Being an animal lover, he could not turn his back on the many starving cats that were dumped at the site. He kept a box of snack "bones" for the dogs. He even fed the local raccoon that liked the cats kibble.

Mr. McNeil was preceded in death by his sister, Colleen 6 years old.  He had very fond memories of her and talked about her often.

In addition to his wife, Susan McNeil, he is survived by his first wife, Beverly Songer, Children; Brodie McNeil of Clacamus, Org., Brian McNeil and wife, ShanShan and daughter, Lydia of Fairbanks, Ak. Daughter, Jennifer McNeil of Vancouver, Wa., Brother, Kevin McNeil and wife, Lisa of Dublin, Cal., Their children include Brendon, Cameron and wife Misha, and Lauren and her husband Derek, their children; Landon, Colin and Lina.   Sister, Bridget Staley and husband, Mick of Pleasant Hill, Cal. and their son, Andrew and wife Ashley and  their children, Abigail, Evangeline and Glenn.. Uncle, Lambert Willie of Danville, Cal.

Dennis's final resting place will be at Oakmont Memorial Park in Layfayette, Cal.

It was Mr. McNeil's wishes that he be cremated and no services are scheduled at this time.