Leartis "Goo" "McNasty" McNeil, Sr., 71, of Palatka, entered the sunset of life on Sunday, May 27, 2018 at the Malcom Randall V. A. Medical Center, Gainesville. The son of Lonnie McNeil, Sr. and Elizabeth Lewis, he was born on Tuesday, March 18, 1947 in Ocala. Van Buren Lewis, Sr. also shared in raising him. He was educated in the Putnam County School District, and was a 1965 graduate of Central Academy High School. Leartis was very athletic and participated in baseball, basketball, track & field, and also performed on the swim team and participated in state competition. He subsequently became a lifeguard at Booker Park's swimming pool where he taught many kids in the community to swim. As a man of many talents, he was a dancer, skater, and an outstanding Drum Major for Central Academy's mighty Bulldogs marching band also participating in state competition for two consecutive years. His love for music motivated him to also play drums in the local church.

On January 16, 1968, Leartis was drafted into the United States Army. His ROTC training during high school and his military basic training helped prepare him for his tour of duty in Beachside, Vietnam. He earned numerous decorations including the National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Republic Vietnam Campaign Medal w/Device; Sharpshooter (Rifle M-14); and Marksman (Rifle M-16). In 1969, PFC (E-3) McNeil sustained an injury requiring admission into the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C., and early retirement, returning home with an Honorable discharge on February 12, 1969. With extensive therapy, "Goo" was able to overcome his paralysis. He was a lover of cars which became one of his passions, together with the purchase of a three wheeler motorcycle. "Goo" was a former member of the Palatka Church of God by Faith and assisted with the construction of the sanctuary. He found love, not once, but three times, and was united in marriage to all three beautiful women. He was known as an avid reader of the Bible and loved watching sports. He oftentimes quoted, "Don't tell me who it is, tell me who it ain't!" "Goo" was an entrepreneur who was President and Owner/Operator of McNeil Diversified Services, Inc., and Southern Diversified, Inc., specializing in trucking, hauling, demolition, and land clearing.

In addition to his parents; he was preceded in eternal rest by his son, Clarence Smith; sisters, Mae Helen Curry and Sonya Faye Hines; grandson, Nicko Leshaun McNeil.

He leaves to cherish his memories: three sons, Leartis (Terry) McNeil, Jr., Lake City; Kenneth (Tammy) McNeil, Jacksonville; Jermaine (Annetta) McNeil, Sanford; siblings, Lonnie McNeil, Jr., Fayetteville, NC; Virgil Ree Davis, Cocoa; VanBuren "Buck" Lewis, Jr., Middleburg; Patricia Ann (Walter) Stanford, Palmetto; Gerald Lorenzo (Ollie "Penny") Lewis, Satsuma; Pamela Jean (Dr. Anthony "Tony") Hill, Brandon; 11 grandchildren, Jarvis (Connie) King, Kardarius (Ashley) McNeil, Victor Vega, Brian Vega, Markita Bankhead, Kendall McNeil, DeQuandrea (Stephen) Buie, Jerica McNeil, Jeliah McNeil, Jenah McNeil, and Britney Emily Campbell; 15 great-grandchildren, 35 nieces and nephews, 2 god-daughters, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation of family and friends will be from 5-8 p.m., Friday, June 1, at "Flagg's Chapel of Serenity." Homegoing Celebration will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, June 2, at the Church of God by Faith, 1511 Washington Street, Palatka, Elder Phillip Thomas, pastor. Elder Alonzo Mulberry, III, pastor of Soul Mission Church of God in Christ, is the eulogist. Interment with full military honors will be conducted by Fort Stewart's U.S. Army Honor Guard at Oak Hill West Cemetery.