Darrell Lamont McNeely

Darrell Lamont McNeely, age 61, of Alanson, Michigan, passed away April 2, 2026, at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak.

Darrell was born in Nashville, Tennessee, to James McNeely and Annie Pearl Chaney. He soon moved to Alabama to be close to his grandparents, spending his youth there and attending the Chocktaw County Schools before relocating to the state of Ohio.

On September 14, 2013, he married Elizabeth Eddy in the Boyne City Free Methodist Church, with whom he would share and build their home in Alanson. Naturally social as he was, Darrell’s relationship with Elizabeth allowed him to appreciate the art of slowing down and enjoying the quiet of home.

Darrell was a man who made friends wherever he went, reportedly never finding a person he couldn’t talk to. His wide range of community-oriented hobbies such as camping, spending time with friends, and watching or listening to sports from football (as an avid Michigan State fan,) to basketball, to Nascar, all allowed him a sense of camaraderie with anyone lucky enough to be brought in conversation with him; and he held that camaraderie in the highest regard. He knew how to encourage others and make them feel valued, and the impact of his actions carry on in ways that cannot be quantified or expressed.

Darrell is survived by his wife, Elizabeth McNeely; children Kristy (Devin) Pierson and Tyrone McNeely; grandchildren Kimberlie, Cecelia, Kevin, Ronon, and Alexzi; sisters Marilyn Maye and Sharon McNeely; and nieces Dominique Mitchell, DeAnna McNeely, and Jaleesa McNeely.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Annie Pearl Chaney and James McNeely, and his nephew Deante May.

A funeral service will be held for Darrell at Stone Funeral Home in Petoskey, Michigan, on April 10, 2026, with visitation starting at 10:00 AM. The funeral will begin at 11:00 AM, officiated by Pastor Gerald Cook of the Boyne City Free Methodist Church.

Memorial contributions in Darrell’s name may be made to the McNeely family.

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