Eugene "Gene" E. Chambless Mcneill

Eugene “Gene” E.Chambless McNeill died April 14, 2021 at his home after a valiant fight against stage 4 cancer and Parkinson’s disease. Gene was born on November 16, 1939 in Chattanooga, Tennessee; graduating from Central High School class of1958 and also graduated with honors from the University of Chattanooga(UTC).
Gene was honorably discharged as a Lt. in the United States Navy where he served as an underwater diver and explosive ordnance officer. HE served on the ammunition ship, USS Great Sitkin during the Vietnam War. His duty was overseeing the transfer of ammunition of all types to aircraft carriers safely.
After his military service, he worked in journalism for many years. He has been a reporter for Chattanooga News Free Press, for United Press International(UPI), editior of Tidewater Review, West Point, Virginia, and police reporter for the Chattanooga Times. He taught and retired from Central High School in the areas of journalism, social studies, English, and other subjects. Gene loved working with his hands making ship models and was very mechanical, loving to work on old sports cars. He also loved Siberian Huskies and especially his husky, Storm.
Gene belonged to the Mizpah Synagouge in Chattanooga.
Gene was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Walker McNeill, and his tepfather, Frank “Huck” McNeill,
Suriviors include his loving wife Nora Ruth Robinson McNeill; his sister, Ether McNeill McEachern (Doug McEachern), sister-in-law, Mary Robinson Parker(Lloyd Parker) and numerous nieces and nephews. He also had neighbors, car friends, and close friends whom he loved.
Nora wishes to thank Dr.Robert Graham, Dr Steven Scorey, and Dr Robert Martyn for their loving care during his illnesses. Also we would like to thank the PAN foundation for their assistance.
In honor of Gene contributions may be made to Boys and Girls Club of Ocoee Region at 385 3rd Street SW, Cleveland, Tennessee 37311 where Gene worked part time years ago teaching basic woodworking and crafts.
A Graveside service will be held at 11a.m. Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at Chattanooga National Cemetery.
There will be no formal visitation at the funeral home.
We invite you to send a message of comfort and view the family guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com
Companion Funeral and Cremation Service, Cleveland Chapel is in charge of arrangements.