Roy Mancil Neill

Roy Mancil Neill was born on September 28, 1924, in Hardin County, Tennessee, to Grover and Bessie Robinson Neill. On August 3, 2025, at the age of 100, he passed from this world into eternal life with his Savior, Jesus Christ.

Mancil was a friend to everyone who knew him and always had a kind word. Regardless of the circumstances, he never complained. His positive attitude and grateful heart were evident in everything he said. Mancil was a southern gentleman and truly exemplified the qualities of a member of the "Greatest Generation." He grew up in the Burnt Church community with his seven brothers and sisters. During his youth, Mancil worked with his father farming and running a sawmill. At the age of 18, during the height of World War Il, he was drafted into the United States Army. While in the army, he served as a Military Policeman in Europe. After the war, Mancil returned to work with his family and make his home in the Burnt Church Community.

Mancil was united in marriage to the love of his life, Gwendolyn Baugus, on December 18, 1949. They were inseparable for 65 years. Gwen went to heaven on January 14, 2015, and now Mancil has joined her for eternity. Mancil worked for the Tennessee Division of Forestry, and retired in 1990 after 35 years of service.

Mancil has been a member of Turkey Creek Baptist Church since 1940. He had a strong faith which was evident in his life. In his final days, he took comfort in his knowledge that, as he said, "there is a better place prepared for us." For the past ten years, Mancil resided at Riverwick Assisted Living, which he considered to be his home. He especially enjoyed the Bible study times and anytime that there were people there to sing or play music. One of his favorite activities was hearing the Wayne Jerrolds Band when they visited each month. He loved the staff at Riverwick and always told everyone that their "food sure was good."

Mancil is survived by his nieces and nephews: Jeanell Franks Dennis, Barbara Livengood Harlan, Tony Livengood, Danny Andrews, Tim Davis, John Davis, Peggy Franks Beckham, Leon Baugus, Wayne Baugus, Kenneth Baugus, Mike Baugus, Rita Faye Baugus Parker, Amelia Baugus, Becky Stricklin Rose; and a host of great, great-great, and great-great-great nieces and nephews. Mancil was predeceased by his wife, Gwendolyn Baugus; his sisters, Jewel Neill Franks, Irene Neill Livengood, Mable Neill Andrews, and Sue Neill Davis; his brothers, Raymond Neill, Wallace Neill, and Max L. Neill; nieces, Doris Neill Rice, Mary Thelda Norton, Betty Baugus, and Reba Franks; nephews, Melvin Baugus, Marcell Baugus, Mervin Baugus, Randall Baugus, Charles Baugus, Jimmy Franks, Rachel Franks, Larry Franks, and David Franks; and his parents.

Services will be held on Wednesday, August 6, at 2:00 p.m. at Shackelford Funeral Directors in Savannah with Bro. Artie Rivers officiating. Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens. Prior to the service, the family will receive friends on Wednesday from 11 a.m. until service time.

Serving as Pall Bearers will be Mancil's nephews, Danny Andrews, Tim Davis, and John Davis; great-nephews Jason Dennis and Dennis Franks; and great-great nephew, Ryan Gray.

The family would like to thank Mrs. Dana Crotts, the staff at Riverwick, and Volunteer Hospice for their care and devotion to Mancil, especially in his final days.