Community honors Major General Joseph McNeil with streetside tribute

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Before Major General Joseph McNeil was laid to rest on Saturday, community members showed support by lining the street named after him. 

As the funeral processional went down Major General Joseph McNeil Commemorative Way in Wilmington, a couple dozen stood along the street to honor his legacy.  

The line started with a police vehicle followed by motorcycles then McNeil’s remains and dozens of cars to follow. 

The Wilmington Fire Department also raised a flag over the road. 

McNeil made history when he and three other young black men held a sit in at Woolworth Department Store’s segregated lunch counter in 1960.  

Retired lieutenant colonel, Doctor Rubye Braye didn’t know McNeil personally but appreciates his courage. 

“Just great respect for this man who started very early. In fact, he was an activist before many of us were even born, helping to make it possible for us to have rights. When I think about him being the one who had the courage to participate in the sit-ins,” Dr. Braye said. 

Braye headed to the funeral held at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church after the procession.