Clifton McNeely Obituary

Clifton Kenneth McNeely, known to friends and family as Mac or Kenneth, passed away on March 30, 2026 after a short illness, at the Dorn Veteran's Hospital in Columbia, SC. Born in Charlotte, North Carolina on July 19, 1926.

Kenneth was a man of the "Greatest Generation" in every sense of the term. He was a devout Christian and his faith was the bedrock upon which he built his life. At the age of 17, he enlisted in United States Navy. His active-duty time was cut short due to a significant head injury, which led to an honorable discharge a year and a half later.

He used his experience to fuel a lifetime of advocacy for his fellow service members. He gave over 12,000 volunteer hours to the Dorn VA Hospital. This passion was recognized on the state level when he was twice named the South Carolina's Disabled Veteran of the year. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and of the Masons in which he held every office possible. One of his favorite quotes was: "Not all good men are Masons but all Masons are good men." Kenneth was the founder of the Disabled Veteran's Office Chapter 67 in Manning, SC.

Kenneth lived his last 8 years at the Community Life Center at the Dorn Veteran's Hospital. His family would like express their deepest gratitude to the outstanding nurses and staff of Dorn for their incredible care, patience and devotion they showed Mr. McNeely and his family.

Kenneth was predeceased by his wife, Grace Ellis McNeely. He is survived by 2 daughters, Paulette Yates and Deborah Geiger (Bill) of Gaston and a son, Cliff, of North Carolina. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 10 great great-grandchildren.

A memorial service to honor Kenneth will be held on April 11, at 1:00 at Wateree Baptist Church, 2024 Haile Street, Camden, SC. In leu of flowers please make a donation to Wateree Baptist Church.

Clifton Kenneth McNeely was a Christian, a sailor, a true patriot, a Mason, and a father. Fair winds and following seas, Kenneth. You have stood your watch and stood it well.