George McNeill Obituary

George Reed McNeill

1949 ~ 2026

George Reed McNeill, 76, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026, in Grants, New Mexico. Born June 4, 1949, in Grants to Kenneth Reed McNeill and Evelyn Smyth, George loved growing up in Bluewater, New Mexico. A gifted athlete and scholar, he was an All-State standout in football and track, a member of the Grants High School Hall of Fame, and an honor graduate in 1967. He attended Snow College on a football scholarship and later earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Utah in 1977, graduating magna cum laude.

George devoted his life to service-to his country, his community, and his faith. He served in a military role supporting the White House Communications Agency and was honored with the Presidential Service Medallion. He later served on the Sandy City Council and on numerous boards, contributing significantly to public policy and community development. A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, George served in many leadership roles, including as a beloved bishop, welfare agent, missionary in the North British mission 1968-1970, teacher, and speaker. He was known for his intellect, kindness, love of learning, and deep compassion for others.

George was married to Clara Marie Shelley, with whom he raised two daughters, Terreye and Janessa, before her passing in 2009. He returned to his boyhood home and married Barbara Eileen Johnson in 2010. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; his children Terreye (Jeff) Zaleski and Janessa (Ben) Greenlief; Barbara's children Andrea (Mark) Putnam, Bryant Johnson, and Nicole (Andrew) Sanchez; numerous grandchildren and a great-granddaughter; and his siblings TJ, John, and Susan. He was preceded in death by his wife Clara, his son Thomas, his parents, and several siblings.

Funeral services will be held Friday, February 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Wing Mortuary in Lehi, Utah, with a viewing from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Interment will be at the Lehi City Cemetery. Services will be streamed live on Wing Mortuary's Facebook page.

Full obituary located at www.wingmortuary.com/obituary/george-mcneill