Montesano resident Neill Blessed-SoJourner, age 72, passed away Dec. 12, 2018, in Seattle, Wash. He was born on Aug. 17, 1946, in Philadelphia, Penn. to George S. Neill Sr. and Joyce Merica (Luxton). He was raised in Lansdale, Penn. Later, he was adopted by Goldie Grace Farmer into her family in South Dakota.

Neill served in the U.S. Army, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Division from 1966 – 1970, touring 13 months in Vietnam.

Neill worked in the trucking business, he was a co-owner of Boot Hill Gun Sales and was a Sheriff Deputy of Pierce County from 1981-1994. He was a spiritual leader in Native American ceremonies. He was an ordained minister and he started the Point Man Ministries in the past.

He married Carole August Grigg (Gustafson) on Nov. 25, 2006, in Montesano, Wash.

Neill was a member of FaithLife Church Northwest, VAF of Kent and the 28th Infantry Association.

He enjoyed fishing, studying the Bible and carving pipes. He loved chocolate Labradors and Mexico.

Neill is survived by his wife Carole August Grigg of Montesano; son Richard Neill; daughters Kimberly (Niki) Medicus and Danielle Neill; step-sons Michael Grigg and Daniel Grigg; step-daughter Brenda Pence (Jones); brothers Terry Neill and Jack Merica; mother Joyce Merica; grandchildren Gracie Frost and Heylee Gonzales and step-grandchildren Madeline Grigg, Gavin Grigg, Isabella Grigg and Adelina Grigg.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at 2 p.m. on Jan. 12, at the Elma FaithLife Church and at 3 p.m. on Jan. 13, at the Chehalis Gymnasium. A military honorary at Tahoma National Cemetery will be announced at a later date.