Sheila McNeill’s death was announced on the official website page of the U.S. Navy League in honor of her as one of the past presidents, The post reads thus “The Navy League of the United States announces with great sadness that Sheila McNeill, beloved past national president, has passed away at the age of 81. Sheila led the Navy League in assisting the men and women in the sea services, educating the public about maritime matters, and fighting on Capitol Hill for the interests of the sea services during her tenure as the 42nd national president (2003–2005).

In the 121-year history of the organization, she also served as the first and only female national president. Christopher Townsend, National President of the Navy League, stated of Sheila McNeill, “Sheila was an icon and an inspiration to everyone who knew her.” Her commitment to the Navy League’s objective and her enthusiasm for public service were unmatched. We shall be guided and inspired going forward by Sheila’s legacy.

Over the course of her 58 years with the Navy League, Sheila held a number of significant positions, including member of the National Maritime Policy Committee, national director of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, and national vice president for legislative affairs. A renowned member of the Camden-Kings Bay Council, she stepped forward to take on difficult responsibilities and used her wealth of expertise to train upcoming leaders.

Distinguished, Superior, and Meritorious Public Service medals from the Secretary of the Navy, Distinguished and Meritorious Public Service medals from the United States Coast Guard, and the U.S. Armed Forces Spirit of Hope Award are just a few of the many honors that McNeill has received for her services to the maritime industry and her community. Additionally, she was the first woman to receive the Golden Anchor Award, the Spanish Navy League’s highest distinction.

Sheila consistently put her country’s interests ahead of her own, even when she wasn’t in the Navy League. From January 2021 to January 2023, she represented District 3 as a state senator for Georgia, participating in several committee assignments.

She visited 45 U.S. military installations across the globe in her capacity as vice chairman of the executive committee for the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services prior to her election.

Sheila was not just a successful professional but also a beloved mother, grandmother, and wife to Navy veteran Arlie McNeill, who passed away in 2023. Those that had the honor of knowing her will always remember and appreciate her legacy of devotion, leadership, and service.

The family and friends of Sheila McNeill are receiving the sincerest condolences from the Navy League of the United States and its thirty thousand plus members during this trying time. Her outstanding efforts to the maritime services and her unyielding spirit will live on in the annals of our organization for all time.”