Louis McNeill

He was born Jan. 7, 1921, in Hickman to Dee Louis and Helen (Rice) McNeill.
After graduation from the former Hickman High School, Preston attended the University of Kentucky, the alma mater of his father, to study electrical engineering. He served his country with the U.S. Army as a radio and electrical engineer during World War II. Among his duties, he served Gen. Dwight Eisenhower as a radio transmission operator during time in Europe. Upon returning from his service in the Army, he married the former Anna Rosaly DiMatte of New York City Feb. 2, 1946. Their careers in engineering and banking led them to Lone Oak, Ky., New Jersey, Arizona, Florida and North Carolina. Upon their retirement, they established their home in Hickman, near his family home place.
Preston is survived by his sister, Janeth (McNeill) Coward Pulliam, of Winston Salem, N.C., and her children, Janet Coward Jones (Rick) of Gastonia, N.C., James Dee Coward of King, N.C., Steven Louis Coward (Anita) of Senoia, Ga.; his great-nephew, Brandon Coward (Kelly) of Alexandria, Va.; and his great-nieces, Anna Coward Hall (Nich) of Rural Hall, N.C., and Riley McNeill Jones and Natalie Elizabeth Jones, both of Gastonia. Local survivors include his cousins, Chris McNeill and Pamela McNeill Fee, both of Paducah, Ky. He is also survived by his wonderful caregivers.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Anna; his parents, Dee Louis and Helen Rice McNeill; and his brother, Roy Rice McNeill.
Services will be at his church, St. Paul Episcopal of Hickman, at 11 a.m. Saturday. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the service time Saturday. Entombment will follow the funeral service in the family plot at the Hickman City Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may be a contribution to St. Paul Episcopal Church, 1108 Walker Ave. Hickman, KY 42050.
Strong Funeral Home in Hickman is in charge of arrangements.