It is with heavy hearts the family of Donald “Don” McNeil, 73, of Cameron, SC, announce he was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 10th, 2026.

Don spent his career life between crop dusting, charter pilot, flight instructor, and truck driver. His life in the sky was his favorite, second to being a Dad and Grandad. He will be remembered as a loving husband and father, a hard worker, and having a kind heart. He had extreme compassion for animals most people overlooked. He often brought home stray dogs he found on his route, sometimes spending weeks gaining their trust. He fed colonies of cats for years at various places when he saw them. You could never ride in the back seat of his vehicle for the 50 pound bag of dog food and cat food. His love and compassion for animals was known by everyone who knew him, mostly the animals he cared for.

Don was preceded in death by his loving wife and best friend of 49 years, Linda Axson McNeil, his parents, Robert (Bob) McNeil, Vivian (June) McNeil, and brother Steven (Steve) McNeil. He is survived by his daughter, Paula McNeil Clark (Mitchell) of Orangeburg, son, Craig McNeil (Kim) of N. Charleston, granddaughter, Audrey O’Neal of Orangeburg, grandson, Dylan McNeil of N. Charleston, brother, Kenneth (Kenny) McNeil, sister, Becky Spigner Breland, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Don will be forever remembered for providing his wife and children memorable family trips, laughter, and selfless love. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories that will be treasured by his family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

A memorial service will be held at Thomson Funeral Home, 1012 Whitman St, Orangeburg on Friday, September 18th, 2026 at 5pm. Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation prior to the service from 4-5pm.

Memorials may be made in Don’s memory to For the Love of a Paw, 2610 Cleveland St, Elloree, SC, 29047.