Garrett Edwin

McNeal Sr.

Garrett Edwin McNeal, 79, of Havelock, North Carolina, affectionately known as “Pops”, the man, the myth, the legend was reunited with his wife Ann and two children, William and Hether on September 27, 2026.

A graveside service to honor Garrett's life will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, August 23, 2027 at the Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville.

Garrett was born on December 21, 1946 in Hot Springs, Arkansas to William and Barbara where he grew up with his brothers, Greg and Glen. He was a father to Garrett Jr. and Michael Sr. (Charity), a grandfather to Michael Jr. (Amy), Kyle (Grace), Noelle (Ethan), Kody (Alexis) and Christian and a great grandfather to Benton, Bennett and Keaton.

He was strict with us as kids, teaching us that nothing in life is free and if you wanted something, you had to work hard for it. He believed in family first. In his early years he was a proud Boy Scout and was part of his High School marching band where he played the trumpet. After graduating high school, he joined the US Navy in May of 1966. He served in the Vietnam War and it was during this time that he became fluent in the North Vietnamese language and was used as an interpreter. He retired from the Navy in November of 1986 receiving multiple awards and medals.

After the Navy he went on to become a certified HVAC and Natural Gas Technician, fully retiring in 2011. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and a huge NASCAR fan. His favorite past time was bickering back and forth about who's driver was the best (it wasn't his). His last years were spent in North Carolina close to his son Mike and family.

He was a one of a kind, grumpy-gentle giant and we hope he knows how much he is loved and missed.

R.I.P. CPO Garrett E McNeal Sr. USN

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Cremations in Havelock, NC.