Remembering

Maj. Gen. Joseph A. McNeil

1942-2025

A composite image of Joseph McNeil when young and old

Photo Credits: Travis Dove, Our State

Maj. Gen. Joseph A. McNeil, one of the members of the A&T Four, whose sit-in protest at a Woolworth's lunch counter in 1960 electrified a nation and ultimately helped pass the 1964 Civil Rights Act, passed away Thursday, Sept. 4. He was 83 years old.

Just 17 at the time, McNeil was the catalyst for the four freshmen and their bold actions against racial discrimination and Jim Crow laws and practices.

Within 1 1/2 months, their protest expanded from four freshmen in Greensboro to 50,000 participants in 55 cities across 13 states. Even President Dwight D. Eisenhower spoke out on their behalf. They changed Woolworth's policy by late July 1960. Hundreds of businesses across the south followed suit. In 1964, the landmark U.S. Civil Rights Act banned discrimination in public accommodations nationwide.

None of that would have been possible with Joseph McNeil whose commitment to ensuring America stood up to the ideals it was founded upon led him first to work to fix his country, then to serve his country. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force after his 1963 graduation from A&T with a B.S. in engineering physics. He rose through the ranks for six years, serving in Vietnam and attaining the rank of captain in 1969, when he transitioned from active duty to the Air Force Reserves. He served for 31 more years before retiring in 2000 and earning the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal.

We invite all who knew Maj. Gen. Joseph McNeil to share a special memory of him. We will publish those remembrances below the submission form on this page and share them with the McNeil family. (E-mail and telephone numbers shared below will only be used to confirm submissions and will not be published on this site.)

Thank you for sharing your special memories about Maj. Gen. Joseph McNeil. If you haven't yet shared your thoughts and condolences and would like to do so, please complete our submission form.

Thank you ! You sat so that we all could stand . Farewell good and faithful servant!
— Hawks Hamilton

What Major General McNeil + 3 accomplished as teens played a significant role in my decision t enroll at A&T 10 years after the Woolworth sit ins. I honor you for your good deeds & for your service to America. R.I.P.
— Alvin Clark

Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of a true American hero and a giant in the ongoing struggle for justice and equality.
As a proud fellow alumnus of North Carolina A&T State University, Class of 1985, I grew up in awe of the courage and conviction displayed by Maj. Gen. McNeil and his fellow members of the A&T Four. The stories of that brave act at the Woolworth’s lunch counter on February 1, 1960, were not just part of our history—they were part of our identity. Walking past the statue honoring the Greensboro Four was a daily reminder of the power of principled action and the legacy of leadership that defines our beloved university.
Maj. Gen. McNeil's life, both in service to our country and in the fight for civil rights, is an enduring inspiration. His impact reached far beyond that lunch counter—helping to spark a national movement and ultimately contributing to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
May you find comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on in the hearts of Aggies and Americans everywhere. We honor his memory, his bravery, and his unwavering commitment to justice.
With heartfelt sympathy and Aggie Pride
— Elaine Quinta Stocks Gill '85

We met after retiring from military service! A dynamic, thoughtful and compassionate leader! We all stood on the shoulders of this great American! May he rest in eternal peace!
— MG (R) Hawthorne Proctor

Thank you for leading the way!
— Roslyn Bennett Lentz

He was the epitome of a gentleman. He was humble and kind, a real profile in courage. May he rest among the angels. A life well lived 🙏🏾
— Faye Tate Williams

I was secretary to Dean of Men and worked in Scott Hall where Joe lived during the Movement. Participated in the marches. Joe would come by the office and chat. He was a gentleman. My condolences to the family.
— Ernestine Purnell

Thank you for being a catalyst for change! Your legacy will continue to live on and we’ll forever be grateful for your service and sacrifices.
— AF Wade

Prayers to the McNeil family and blessings to a great man
— Brian Caldwell

Received my sincere condolences
— Ramatou

Major General McNeil was a trailblazer for civil rights. He definitely stood up for a great cause to stop discrimination and racial prejudice.
— Paul Hardy

Thank you for your sacrifices. Your legacy will live on not only at the Illustrious North Carolina Agricultural and State University but throughout the world. My condolences to your family and friends during this time of loss. Rest In Peace, Maj. Gen McNeil. You have earned your rest.
— Justine Newman

I’m very fortunate to have met Mr. McNeil on many occasions, but my fondest memory was writing about the A&T Four in The Register a the Managing Director. I was a sponge to soak up all the knowledge and wisdom. May your memory serve as a constant reminder that we have the courage to stand or sit for what we believe in.
— Patrice Withers

Started A & T in 1962. Activist 2 years after the four began. We joined in the action.
— Gloria June Carter Love, Ph.D. '65

I had the opportunity to meet him in person amd I had a phenomenal one-on-one conversation with him last year.
— Simplicio Gomes III

My condolences to the McNeil family.
— Christopher Harris

Thank you for your obedience in shaping and paving the way for the freedoms we all enjoy.
— Lisa Carson

He/They helped me decide that A&T was the place for me!
— David Dublin Jr.

Rest in peace and power.
— Morris J. Clarke

Thank you for your sacrifices and believing in your people enough to risk your life to make a better life for those who will follow.
— Maury J Moffitt

Condolences to the McNeil family. Thank you Maj. Gen. Joseph McNeil.
— Diane Brice

My Prayers and Condolences to the McNeil family. As a proud Alumnus, of NC A&T, I am so thankful for the sacrifices The Greensboro Four made for all of us who followed. What an Awesome Legacy to leave behind.
— Debra Battle Taylor

What a beautiful and wonderful experience to have met Maj. Gen. Joseph A. McNeil in my lifetime as a young commissioned officer in the AIR FORCE. To know that I traveled the safe path as him is peaceful. I will always cherish our picture together. I will print it and frame it for years to come. A final toast to my fallen comrade and brethren in arms. Love always. As you called me at the time Lt D (because of course no one could pronounce my name)
— Trina Diakabanzila

The great American hero
— Harry Carswell

May you REST In Peace General McNeil. Thank you for your sacrifices not only for the AGGIE Family, but the Civil Rights Movement. Because of you, I went to Woolworth in Greensboro when I was a Freshman in 1982 to sit at the same lunch counter. I pray for your family’s strength and peace during this time. AGGIE PRIDE sir 💙💛
— Edward Smith

Thank you Mr. McNeil for showing the world how Aggies are always doing and never done. You and your friends were an inspiration for all Aggies (past, present and future) and the world. May you rest in peace.
— Philip W Lipscomb

I am saddened to hear of the loss of General McNeil, one of four heroes who changed the world and created a better future for posterity! As the editor of the The Class of 1974 A &T 50th Anniversary Souvenir Book, it was such a joy and honor to recognize the A&T Four in our pages. We will always remember their bravery and celebrate their greatness! Truly, General McNeil exemplifies the best of Aggie Pride and the A&T 4 will forever remain legendary giants of the Civil Rights movement! Sending my deepest and heartfelt condolences to the McNeil family.
— Dr. Beverly McCain

My Mother & Father were students at A&T during the tenure of Comrade McNeil & “The Four”. On their behalf we honor his courage & legacy in the movement for justice & liberation...
— Harold Carrillo

I offer my sincerest condolences to your family. Mr. McNeil was a very inspirational leader, activist, and human being. As an A&T graduate, I am proud to be a part of this legacy. He makes you proud to be an Aggie. Thank you for what you did for NC A&T, for the culture, for the country, the movement and the world. You will never be forgotten.
— India Holland-Stewart

My sincere condolences to the family and friends of a great Trail Blazer. His fight for justice will never be forgotten.
— Anita Cavanough

The course of history was changed on Elm and the world without looking back. Your cadence from A&T to Woolworth's was "Left foot march, Right foot march...we will sit and we will not quit!" Imagine what raced through his head as he passed street after street. "What if...?" Thank You, Lord for the cover You did provide that allowed these students to pass through a door not knowing what was on the other side.....Aggie Pride!!!💙 A great officer and leader!
— Vivian Dannis

Joseph McNeil was a great inspiration to all of us who were on the campus during this time and supported Joseph and the other three students for their courage and
bold spirit to lead us into the movement of "Good trouble." Rest well "Aggie classmate," fly high into heaven and save a seat for those of us left behind.
— Dr. Susan Hall Ruffin

As an Aggie student (class of 1966) I joined the Greensboro civil rights demonstrations and was proud to follow in the footsteps of Joseph McNeil and the "A&T Four" whose courage and leadership changed this nation. Thank You!
— Thomas Farrington

We are forever grateful and better as a people because of your courage. Rest in peace General McNeil.
— Craigavon R. Turner

Thank you to Mr. McNeil for his sacrifice and tireless efforts in moving the needle forward on our struggle for freedom. We are so blessed to have had him as an Aggie and true American. May you receive your crown in glory. May our God declare, "Well done, good and faithful servent." Rest well..
— Terri Whitmire

I treasure a photo of the A&T Four that hangs in my home, personally signed by Mr. McCain, Mr. Khazan, and Gen. McNeil. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to attend many of the February One celebrations, and I am always deeply inspired by their words of wisdom and the legacy they represent. My heartfelt sympathies go out to his family during this time.
— Helen Duncun

THANK YOU, Sir, for all you did yo make this country a better place. Your work on earth is done. Rest peacefully.
— Sheila Black

We are forever in your debt for your brave efforts
— Gary Holloway

My condolences and prayers for the family of our beloved Aggie brother. Our thank yous to him for being a trailblazer and a wonderful role model for Aggies to follow. We acknowledge the significant role he played in history. Thank you my Aggie brother. 🙏🏾💙💛
— Deborah L. May

With the greatest honor for your outstanding service to the entire world!
— Capt. Jim Miller

May your soul rest in perfect peace. This is the story that I have told my children. You did it for us Sir.
— Abasiofiok Mark Ibekwe

A true pioneer and trailblazer for civil rights, the Greensboro area and past, current and future students of NC A&T State University!
— Steven B. Slade

I was honored to participate in the dedication ceremony of Maj. General Joseph McNeill Way in Wilmington, NC on Oct 12, 2019. General McNeill was very a very kind and generous individual. He will truly be missed. The Wilmington Chapter Alumni will keep the McNeill Family in our thoughts and prayers as they lay to rest one of our nation's greatest leaders!
— Tony Carter

My family and I are so grateful for your bravery and what you and your colleagues did to activate the civil rights movement. Greensboro has never been the same since. My condolences and prayers to your family and all who loved you. Many Blessings.
— Kerri Dickerson-Bradford

On behalf of the Greensboro Alumnae Chapter (GAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated™, I wish to offer my deepest condolences to the McNeil family during this difficult time.

GAC members are profoundly grateful for the significant role that Mr. McNeil played in advancing the Civil Rights Movement. His dedication and commitment have left an enduring legacy, and we all honor the impact of his work in the pursuit of justice and equality.

— Desiree Best

I’m shocked about his passing! We called him Joe or Jo-Jo in high school and college. He spoke on the AF base here about the Sit-ins once. I drove him in his staff car to the AF Museum and reception the City had in his honor. It was a real pleasure to know him!
— Charles Butler

Aggie Pride
— Calvin Seegars

We thought very highly of Joseph McNeil as a student and his contributions/leadership in the Air Force Reserves. I was blessed to visit with him and my daughter was so excited to meet and interview him. Joseph McNeil was a “Change Agent” and was not afraid to stand up for an idea whose time had come!
— Colonel Larry Cannon USAF Retired '70

I just want to say THANK YOU for adding to the Aggie Legacy, you and the other A&T Four Members all have been a blessing to the university, Greensboro, NC, and nation
— Alvin

I will never forget the day Joseph McNeil visited Bluford Elementary School and spoke to our young scholars. With humility and passion, he told them the story of how he and three other North Carolina A&T State University students took a courageous stand by sitting down at the Woolworth’s lunch counter, sparking a movement that changed the world.
As he spoke, our students were captivated — hearing history not from the pages of a textbook, but from the voice of a hero who lived it. He showed them that ordinary people, even young college students, can do extraordinary things when they choose courage over comfort and justice over silence.
Those young scholars will remember listening to him for the rest of their lives. His words planted seeds of resilience, leadership, and responsibility that will continue to grow in their hearts.

Thank you, Joseph McNeil, for not only shaping history but for pouring into the next generation.
— Thompson

General McNeil was a classmate. I enrolled at A&T fall 1960. I remember his quiet, deliberate, mature personality.
— William Caraway

It is with deep sadness that I join the Aggie Family as we collectively mourn the passing of Alumnus Joseph McNeil. His bravery, wisdom, compassion for others, and his behaviors, as a positive influence in our lives, will continue to guide us in making the right life choices. May his family, friends and fellow Aggies be strengthened by the life lessons he taught us throughout his stellar life time. He will be fondly missed and remembered, always! Condolences to his entire family.
— Phyllis Cunningham

Thank you for your display of courage for the greater good. We could all learn so much from you. Your life will forever be a reminder of our strength as a people if we only come together in one accord.
— Shenita Melvin

In middle school, I had the opportunity to interview Mr. McNeil for a class project. My father, Larry Cannon, was in the USAF at the time and helped me to connect with Mr. McNeil. He was gracious, patient, and kind as he made time for a nervous middle schooler! I wanted to interview him to have a chance to learn more about his accomplishments. I was very proud to be able to share with my teacher and classmates just how special and important he was. I send my sincere condolences to his family and friends. I know he will never be forgotten.
— Ebony Cannon

It was an honor to be in your presence at various university events to celebrate and express gratitude for your sacrifice of sitting down so that future Aggies and humankind could stand. Rest in Aggie Peace!
— Doris Person

God Bless the courage you had @ a time the world needed change.
— Brenda High Sanders, '73

My sincere condolences to the McNeil Family. February 1, 1960, I was a senior sitting in an afternoon class when told that four fellow Aggies had made history.
— Jacqueline Pyatt

Sending prayers and my condolences to the McNeil family. Rest in Power Maj. Gen. Joseph McNeil, thank you! Aggie Pride
— Dina Brown

Joseph McNeil was more than a civil rights hero — he was a man of tremendous depth. As a member of the A&T Four, he displayed extraordinary courage that helped change the course of American history. But Uncle Joe was not one-dimensional. He was a proud son, a devoted family man, a trailblazing Air Force officer, and a trusted friend to my father, Franklin McCain Sr., and to so many others. His life reflected service, leadership, integrity, and compassion. While we mourn his passing, we celebrate a legacy that reminds us that real heroes are whole people — whose courage is matched by their humanity.
— Frank McCain

Thank you all for your community of excellence, care and support for my father, Frank, David and Ezell. There are more teens ready to activate smartly, walk to the front and sit/stand/disrupt in Justice for our future, let’s be as supportive to them as those who were behind these four young souls.

Sincerely, the family of Joseph A McNeil.
— Joseph McNeil Jr

As a proud Alumnus, of NC A&T, I am so thankful for the sacrifices The A&T Four made for all of us who followed. I will continue to remember Mr. Joseph McNeil, as a courageous civil rights pioneer. As one of the four North Carolina A&T students who led the historic 1960 Greensboro sit-in at a segregated Woolworth’s lunch counter, McNeil helped ignite a nationwide movement for justice and equality. His bravery, conviction, and lifelong commitment to civil rights continue to inspire generations. I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the entire community. His legacy will forever remain a beacon of hope and change.
— Stanley Price

I met Joe McNeil in 1964, when he returned to campus while on leave from the Army base where he was stationed as a 2nd Lieutenant, to visit a friend of mine.
He knew her well, because she, like other fair-skinned students, were placed in the front of the protest lines and, for this reason, were served by Woolworth counter employees, because they were unable to identify them as Black people. She introduced me to Joe during one of his visits and we subsequently became friends, too. He was the most intelligent, articulate, very sociable and sweet human being who became my Aggie Brother, whom I loved and admired, because he never assumed the attitude of an "inflated Egomaniac." He was typical of most of our Aggie Brothers and Sisters who are "well grounded." He loved his family of origin, his nuclear Family, his Aggie Family and Friends immensely and most importantly, our Creator. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, who I know will miss him the most. Having experienced many losses of my own family members, Aggie sisters and brothers, who were my fellow classmates and friends, I know that he will always be missed, but never forgotten, because the legacy that the A&T Four left will continue to "right the wrongs" of what this nation did to Blacks, Native Americans, Latinos, and other Nonwhites on this planet, called Earth! knowing that we really loved him, too will hopefully bring you some comfort during this period of your grief.
— Debbie J. Austin

Sending my sincerest heartfelt condolences to the McNeil family. I have appreciated Joseph McNeil and all he did for our history and Civil Rights at NCA&T and around the World. Rest in Peace Leader… with Aggie Pride and Prayers.
— Renee Anthony Leak

My sincere condolences and prayers to the McNeil family. What a brave soul and I am grateful for his legacy with the A&T Four to our university and to the world. I had the opportunity to meet him twice and what an honor and privilege that I will treasure. May you find strength, peace, and comfort through his memory.
— Radiah Pinckney

Thank you for the courage you showed and the legacy you left. You will always hold a special place in our hearts. Aggie Born, Aggie Bred, and when I die I'll be Aggie dead. Aggie Pride! My condolences to the family.
— Ariston Bailey

I first heard about the Sit-In the A&T Four on WFMY Channel 2 Evening News, sitting on the living room floor of my grandparents living room while my siblings and I waited for our parents to pick us up on their way home from lwork. I was a 9-year old fourth grader at a Davidson County NC school. Because of the bravery and boldness of Mr. Joseph McNeil and the other 3 young men I was able to attend and graduate from a predominantly white high school that was much closer to my home rather than having to be bussed 30 miles away to a predominantly black high school in Lexington, NC.Thanks to Mr. McNeil and the members of the A&T Four I became one of the first black graduates at my desegregated school. I have a framed copy of O. Henry Magazine that featured the statue of the A&T Four..They make us proud to be an Aggie and so are many of my family.
Condolences to Maj. Gen. McNeil’s Family . May God bless you with peace and comfort during this special time.
— Brenda Alexander Graham

Peace and blessings to the McNeil family
— Tammy Leach

Thank you for siting down for us and paving the way for so many to go forward.

My condolences to your family during this difficult time.
— Lakisha Tucker

I did not meet him personally, but his legacy is my inspiration and I thank him for the ultimate sacrifice of servitude. Aggie Excellence at its finest! Condolences to the Aggie and McNeil family
— Harrison Spencer Jr '17

Thank you for your service and courage in serving your community and country. Our deepest condolences go to your family and loved ones.
— Greg Hersey

May the loving memories of Mr. McNeil embrace your heart and lead you to continue the legacy of freedom. May God wrap around your soul with peace and comfort during this difficult period. May the world continue to be thankful and continue on the path of freedom for all who has been considered an outcast and betrayed by a system that doesn’t appreciate the value of their worth. Job well done, good and faithful servant. The torch has been passed to the next generation; it’s your turn to shake up the world for good.
— Minerva Johnson Scruggs

It was a pleasure to hear history from a person who made a difference and was history!!! My condolences.
— Juanita Hollingsworth

Our sincere condolences and prayers. The Jeffries Family
— Karen Jeffries-Wells

Because of Almighty God and you, I was allowed to do that which my ancestors were not allowed to do. Thank you both! I owe you both!
— Reverend Clarence William Page

Rest In Peace, Soldier!
— Barry Raleigh

Because of you, we can enjoy the freedom to sit down and have a meal with the dignity we deserve. Thank you
— Deborah Lewis

Gen. Joseph and I sat at the same lunch counter. That history can never be erased. He was a leader, I was a follower. We both ended up with careers fighting in defense of America. May he rest in eternal peace. Gen Clara
— BG Clara Mae Adams-Ender, Retired

To sincere condolences to one of the giants of justice and equal rights...I had the honor meeting Dr McNeil at an aviation conference.
— Norman Jones

Rest in power. He is one of the greatest Aggie that did great work and stood up for what is right.
— Amanda Almodovar, MSW, LCSW

Rest in power. He is one of the greatest Aggies that did great work and stood up for what is right.
— Chinweuba Christopher Okoye

Words can never be enough for what you accomplished, thanks a million times, farewell, my good and faithful servant!
— Emma Holland

Thank you for your service on Feb 1 and everything that you stood. You deserve to REST IN PEACE!
— Shemika L. Wood

I was blessed to meet Maj.General McNeil at Andrews AFB,, as he was honored during Black History Month. All of his accomplishments were mentioned, especially the A&T Four sit-in. All of the Military was so appreciative of his life as it was told. I salute Maj. General McNeil and offer condolences to his family. Aggie Pride!
— Anonymous