Racine – Curtis McNeil, 93, passed away at Millway Care Center in Milwaukee on Thursday, October 8, 2009. He was born in Sledge, Mississippi on September 1, 1916, but had lived in Racine and Milwaukee for most of his life. He was united in marriage to August (nee: Jurnett) McNeil and to this union 6 children were born. Curtis served loyally in the US Army during WWII.

Curtis was a faithful member of Guiding Light church in Milwaukee. He treasured time spent with family, especially his grandchildren. He was a man of many talents. He was a professional painter and an avid photographer with his 35mm camera. He loved music and playing the organ.

Curtis is survived by his children, Steve McNeil, Jerry (Jocelyn) McNeil, Johnnie (Patricia) McNeil, and Telveda McNeil all of Racine, Marcella Shepherd, and Sylvester (Johnnie) Jackson both of Memphis, Tennessee; 30 grandchildren; 43 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; and brother, Oscar Phillips of Memphis; special friend, Jacqueline White. He was preceded in death by his parents, Steven and Minnie (nee: McDade) McNeil; 2 sons, Robert Jurnett and Clinton Ray McNeil; 3 sisters, Dorothy, Minnie Lee, and Florence.

Curtis' Homegoing will be celebrated in the funeral home at 12 noon on Saturday, October 17, 2009 with Rev. Charlene B. Mills officiating. Visitation and viewing will begin at 11 a.m. Interment will take place at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Union Grove on Monday.

Our family would like to thank the many staff members of Millway Care Center, and of Aseracare Hospice for all the care and compassion given to Curtis and our family.