Jerry Griffin McNeill, age 58 of Sanford, passed away on Thursday (10/30/2025) at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill.  He was born on August 14, 1967, son of Judy Griffin McNeill and the late Grady Brown McNeill.  He was preceded in death by his father, and grandparents, John and Virginia Griffin and Jim and Lillian McNeill.  Jerry was a graduate of Lee Senior High School Class of 1985 and Central Carolina Community College.  After graduation he began a career in Tool and Dye, but left this for his dream job of becoming a fireman.  Jerry was a member of the Cape Fear Fire Department for 36 years and retired from the Sanford Fire Department after serving 24 years with the city.  He loved hunting, fishing and playing baseball and softball.  He was a little league coach and was a member of Shallow Well Church.  Jerry was a loving husband, and father and known to all to have a smile on his face.  He is survived by his wife, Wendy Thomas McNeill of the home; sons, Thomas McNeill of Boston, MA and Steven McNeill of Sanford, NC; grandson, Colton McNeill; mother, Judy Griffin McNeill of Broadway, NC; his brother, Ronnie McNeill of Broadway, NC; In-laws, Steve and Faye Thomas of Sanford, NC; Sister-in law, Dale Profio and husband Paul of Sanford, NC and several nieces and nephews.  Funeral services will be conducted at 11am Wednesday (11/5/2025) at Shallow Well Church with Rev. Jerry Parsons and Rev. Robert Thomas officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends immediately following the funeral service in the Shallow Well Church Fellowship Hall.  Memorial gifts can be made in Jerry's memory to the UNC Burn Center in Chapel Hill.  Online condolences can be made at www.smithfuneralhomebroadway.com Arrangements are by Smith Funeral Home, Broadway Inc.