OBITUARY
LaDarrell Stephon McNeil
SEPTEMBER 3, 1993 – JULY 8, 2021
LaDarrell Stephon McNeil was born in Dallas, TX, on September 3, 1993, to the parents of Annette Powers and Vincent James McNeil, Sr.
LaDarrell accepted Christ at an early age and attended Greater Harvest C. O. G. I. C. LaDarrell also developed a love for sports at an early age and continued to thrive in football, basketball, and track throughout his childhood. Prior to attending high school, LaDarrell played select basketball for the Dallas Pacers alongside his father, Coach Vincent McNeil, Sr. He received his education in Dallas, TX, and played football at both A. Maceo Smith High School and Wilmer Hutchins High School. He graduated from Wilmer-Hutchins High School in Spring of 2012. LaDarrell was a four-star recruit and the No. 6 safety in the nation by 24/7Sports and a Parade All -American in 2011. He continued to excel in athletics and was highly recruited by many colleges and universities to play football. On February 1, 2012, he signed with the University of Tennessee and joined the Tennessee Volunteers football team as an All-American Defensive Back. LaDarrell continued to play football on a full scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree on December 11, 2015.
Upon graduating from college, he was employed as a Juvenile Supervision Officer for the Dallas County Juvenile Department until Spring of 2020. In the fall of 2020, he became a teacher for Dallas ISD at Sarah Zumwalt Middle School. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, LaDarrell strived to be a devoted teacher and leader for students inside and outside of the walls of Zumwalt Middle School; hence, he was impactful as a teacher, mentor, and coach. Although he had a gentle spirit, his life’s impact will resoundingly touch the lives of others for many years. He wholeheartedly lived his life with the purpose of helping others until he transitioned.
LaDarrell departed this life on Thursday, July 8, 2021. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Cubie and Elnora Franklin, and Shellie McNeil. He leaves to mourn his death and cherish his memories: his loving mother, Annette Powers (Leon), his devoted father, Vincent McNeil, Sr. (Sandy), his darling daughter, Tynsley Hampton, his beloved brother, Vincent McNeil, Jr., his loving sisters, Kiera Powers, Kayla Powers, Lorin McNeil, and Logyn McNeil, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, students, other relatives, friends, and a special friend Tyrea’ Thompson.