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BORN
1938
DIED
2009
Thomas McNeal Obituary
Tom was born on July 28, 1938, in Quincy, Ill. Tom was a man of many talents and varied interests. Tom retired from Federal Express Corp. in 1996 as a managing director. As one of the company's first Finance Department managers, Tom was integral in the creation and development of the Credit, Collections and Accounts Receivable Departments, which later grew domestically and internationally. He also acted as Chief Financial Officer of McNeal Graphics Inc., a small business started by Tom and his wife in 1984, which is still in business today. After retiring, Tom moved to Niceville and enjoyed retirement to its fullest.
Whether he was golfing, boating, or cheering for his University of Tennessee Volunteers, Tom was smiling and making everyone around him smile. He was a world traveler who enjoyed hobbies as diverse as archery, scuba diving, music and auto racing. In the early days, as a favorite pastime, Tom piloted a small airplane that once resided on FedEx property.
Tom leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 25 years, Janis; three children, Wes McNeal, Vicki Sanders and Jet McNeal, all of Memphis; three grandchildren, Cody McNeal and Courtney Sanders, both of Memphis, and Maggie McNeal of Jacksonville, Ill. He also leaves very dear cousins Mike McCoy, Jeff McCoy and Libby Brewer of Kansas City, as well as Judy Kaufman, Marsha McCoy and her children, Jill Morris and Allen McCoy from Quincy, Ill.; and a stepsister, Jane Burden of Norfolk, England. Tom leaves a host of family and friends who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his mother, June Strader of Memphis.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday in Memphis. The family will receive friends from 2:30 to 4 p.m. and the funeral service will be at 4 p.m. Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Covenant Hospice of Niceville; the American Cancer Society; or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas McNeal
TIM DEAN
April 27, 2025
Tom was one of my best work ( FedEx ) friends
, he on the user side and I on the IT side. My most memorable time was when our friend Mike Babineaux and I spent a several days with super sweet Janet and Tom at their home. Going to dinner several times with them at the local, typically Mom & Pop restaurants... and of course also getting in a couple of rounds of golf. TIM DEAN
Susanne V Burkhardt
April 27, 2025
Tom.....Always fondly in my heart and memories
Steven Schmidt
April 27, 2024
Truly one of the great people I have known in my lifetime. Honored to have called him a friend.
Bruce Prescott
April 24, 2010
Uncle Tom,
As we come up on year, It makes me wonder, if heaven is as good as it sounds, do you Par every hole or do you Birdie? I'll have a good Scotch and wait to ask you when I see you next! We miss you, your smile, and your stories! Keep it in the fairway!
Love ya,
Bruce, Faith, and Steven (I'm sure you're already teaching Shelby some good wedge shots)
Priscilla Decker
April 22, 2010
Uncle Tom,
I think of you often and find myself telling stories about all of the wonderful family memories we have with you. When I see stories on the news, I often wonder what you would think. You always had a way of saying things that would make me think. Whenever I need a good laugh, I can always think of you. I miss you!
Love,
Ms. P
Patrick Perry
April 22, 2010
Uncle Tom:
I miss you. I talk about you often and smile. I have started playing golf (not sure you can call it golf quite yet) and I think about you when I am out there. The ball has started to go straight for me. Next time out, I'll put the Tennessee hat on (don't tell anyone) and make you proud.
We love you.
Patrick
Mike McCoy
April 21, 2010
Tom,
It has been almost a year since we lost you and have thought about you everyday since. You were and always will be a guiding factor in my life and I cannot thank you enough for all of the support that you gave us throughout the years. You have always been very special to me and will hold you close in our family's thoughts and prayers. You are dearly missed however, we know that you are in a better place and watching from above. We love you Uncle Tom and will do our best to take care of Janis in your stead as she is such a special part of our family!
Semper Fi
Mike
Shorty Mc Neal
March 31, 2010
Tom you are thought about daily and missed very much by your children myself and Janis. Please know up there that we keep in touch with Janis and we love her dearly.
Terry Rogers
March 30, 2010
Tom: We miss you so much. Time will help us heal but we will never forget your bright eyes and wonderful smile.
Donna Phillips
March 30, 2010
Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. It has been almost a year and sometimes seems like it was just yesterday, and other times seem like an eternity. I miss you.
Maria Cicora
March 28, 2010
Tom,
I still think of you often and miss you so much. I met you almost 31 years ago at FedEx. You changed my life and made me a better person with all the examples you set. Those were the days and you made them the Best years of my life. What great memories !!!!
I sure do miss you and love you.
tyler phillips
December 29, 2009
we mist you on christmas day it wasnt the same without you.
Donna Phillips
December 29, 2009
Yes we really missed you at Christmas. I kept thinking about the year you came in with your face all banged up from your famous "Scooter Ride" We did however, get to see some part of you when Janis shared your New Year's Eve costume with us all. It didn't quite look the same on Ricky or George, they just didn't have the body! I miss you and think of you always.
Terry Rogers
December 29, 2009
Nearly 8 months have passed since we said goodbye to you. It is still very hard to believe. Your smile and laugh were missed this Christmas and will continue to be missed for years to come.
tyler phillips
July 13, 2009
I miss you Uncle Tom
Donna Phillips
July 6, 2009
As always, the Fourth of July brings back so many thoughts of Tom. His birthday is right between George's (27th) and mine (29th). We always managed to get our names on Ricky's (July 5)birthday cake because someone always brought him one for his birthday at the 4th of July picnic.
I can see Tom in my mind dancing with Janis at Bill and Janette's 70th birthday party. He had just had knee surgery so she just danced around him in circles. When Winston had lost the use of his legs, as people passed by him on the golf course, Tom would tell them to watch out for the attack dog! So much fun to be around. Still missing you Tom, Happy Birthday.
Buddy, Debbie, Lissi McIlvain
June 4, 2009
Thank you for being you. Irreplaceable. We love you and you will always be in our thoughts and our hearts.
Paul Phillips
May 31, 2009
Tom,
You were such a special brother-in-law. So friendly and so good to Janis. I will never forget you.
Bruce Prescott
May 31, 2009
There's a landmark drive-in in Atlanta called "The Varsity". When walk in and stand at the counter, they yell at you "What'll ya have?!" That was Tom as the host. Every time I walked in the door at Tom and Janis' house that's what Tom said as he lead you to the bar with a smile on his face. "What'll ya have?!" Then we sipped our drinks and enjoyed the stories.
You are dearly missed, Uncle Tom
Janis McNeal
May 31, 2009
Tom, I loved you best. God bless you up there in heaven. You will always be in my heart.
Love. Janis
Ricky Mcilvain
May 29, 2009
Rental Property 101 by Tom Mcneal.
"So Tom" I said "I have a cabinet that came loose from the wall at some rental property." His eyes lit up as if to say"You have asked the right person" He pointed his finger in the air and acted out what he was saying "Rickard(Ricky) you go down to the hardware store and get the largest nail you can find. Get a damn railroad tie spike if you have to and nail that puppy up." I have heard everyone can be replaced. Not true here.
Sherry Sanders
May 12, 2009
My condolences to the family. Tom was a wonderful person. He always had a smile for everyone. He will be greatly missed.
May 12, 2009
Uncle Tom,
Of all the places I have traveled in my Air Force career, I dont think I will ever get to experience all that you experienced. You lived life everyday to the fullest and the many stories I am sure you can tell in Heaven now about where you have been, who you met and all that you and Aunt Janis accomplished are amazing in their own right. Thanks for all the great laughs, memories, and stories. We will always remember you and learn that there are many things in life we all can live by, learn and grow from.
Shane Rogers
Priscilla Decker
May 11, 2009
Uncle Tom,
I have so many wonderful memories with you. I will always remember your one of a kind smile and those friendly blue eyes that welcomed everyone you met. You took every day of your life as your own adventure, and have served as a great example of how all of us should enjoy life to the fullest. I miss you!
With love,
Priscilla Decker
Terry Rogers
May 11, 2009
It is difficult to find words to say. As I stood by your bedside the last week of your life, I had so many thoughts of your enormous smile, funny laugh, bright blue eyes and those stories we all loved to hear. You were a great husband to my dear sister and a great and caring brother-in-law to me. Our family will miss you so much.
Brett Bonner
May 8, 2009
Tom was such a fine man. He made such a positive difference in my life and the life of my family. He just had the naturally ability of being able to make a great contribution personally and professionally. We are all fortunate for our time with him.
I will truly miss Tom.
The Bonner family expresses it's sincerest regrets to the McNeal's for the loss.
Hilda Forister-Taylor
May 7, 2009
I am so sorry to read of your loss. Tom was such a good person to us employees at FedEx. He was so funny because he tried to be so gruff with us & yet he had such a good heart & loved everyone. He just wanted us to do our best. Please take care.
The Browns The Chevaliers
May 6, 2009
Our condolences to your family. May peace comfort the grieving and may loving memories light these dark times.
Taco Sanchez
May 6, 2009
Janis, I so sorry for your loss. Tom and you are great friends and I will miss him. Not many lefties out there playing golf. We had fun checking out each others clubs. Still living in Gulfport, Miss. Trying to survive this real estate market.
Taco
Susan Matthews
May 6, 2009
I worked for Tom for many years and if there is one person that I can honestly say that had an impact on my life, it was Tom. He taught me so much! There are so many great memories, one of the most memorable was when Jet went to War. I'll never forget Tom during that time. Tom was always so very supportive and compasionate. He was such an awesome boss, friend, dad to his kids, and wife to "Shorty" then Janice. Janice and family, you are in my prayers.
Mike Marker
May 4, 2009
As an Account Rep then a Collection Manager at FedEx, Tom was always challenging us all to do better in every phase of our jobs since the first day I met him in 1978. When Tom selected me as Senior Manager of the Department, I was honored that he trusted me to handle the responsibilities of the position in light of his towering expectations. He taught me that doing your best was expected, but getting results was the key of the effort. I grew some grey hairs working towards that challenge, but am exponentially appreciative for the chance to do so, and learning next to Tom all the way. He became more than a Boss and mentor. He became a friend that I’ll miss, and will be always be grateful.
Donna Phillips
May 4, 2009
My brother-in-law, my friend. Words can't describe how special you really were. Those who did not know you are very unfortunate. It isn't going to be the same without you. You came into our lives and we are truly a blessed family to have been chosen by you. You will always be in my heart.
Connie Linscott
May 4, 2009
Janis, Know I am thinking about you right now. Your days will be hard, but know with your loving family and friends you'll always have someone to lean on. Donna was telling the truth....I did think he was pretty special with his "smiling eyes" and could always see the love you had for each other. You were both blessed.
Wally & Julie Green
May 4, 2009
We feel blessed to have known Tom, and been able to share in his energy & excitement for life...we'll be keeping Janis & the entire family in our thoughts and prayers.
Anna & Matt Lunn
May 4, 2009
Janis, our thoughts and prayers are with you right now.
Eula Jones
May 4, 2009
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Mike Babineaux
May 4, 2009
Tom's passing leaves a hole in my heart, tears in my eyes and memories of good wines, tee times and tailwinds.
Kimberley Kelley
May 3, 2009
I will miss you!!!I loved your stories of times gone by especially running into Elvis at midnight at the convenience store 30yrs ago. You and Janis opened your home to me and my mother Trudy with lots of love and great fun. Kimberley
JET McNEAL
May 3, 2009
I feel blessed and so honored to have such a wonderful man as my father, He touched many lives over the years, none more than mine. I would not be where I am today without him. I owe the world to him and only hope to be half the man he was! I love and will miss him very much!!!
Pat McCoy
May 3, 2009
Tommy always has a special place in my heart. The kindness he showed to my family and myself after a very difficult time, will never be forgotten. He certainly was one of a kind. My heart goes out to you Janis, Wes, Vicky and Jet as well as the rest of the family and friends. He truly will be missed. Love, Pat
Susanne Burkhardt
May 3, 2009
Tom Hired me to collect NYC receivables for FedEx in May of 1978. From the 1st day I met him he held my deepest respect. He was truly one of a kind. God bless Janis, his family and many many friends!
Love, Susanne
TIM DEAN
May 3, 2009
When I first joined FedEx, my IT group supported Tom's Treasury Operations department and I found Tom to be a very wise business man, always entertaining and around FedEx... whenever Tom spoke, everyone listened. In later years, I got to know Tom on more of a personal basis and have some very good memories from several of our "Tucker Tour" golf trips. Tom was a good friend to many and he will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know him. Janice, we will keep you in our prayers.
Justine Nunnery
May 3, 2009
Tom had a full & meaningful life & he touched many hearts. Nothing can be said that will take your pain away, but know he will be greatly missed by many. Cherish all the memories.
All my love, Justine
Judy Kauffman
May 3, 2009
May 5, 2009
He called me "Cuz". As children, since I was younger by about five years, I was a pest to him. Tom locked me in the shed, hid my toys, and teased me constantly. He was a brother I never had and I looked up to him with awe. I admired him for all his accomplishments and wished that I could have done half of what he did. I will treasure the memories and am so grateful for the visit with Tom and Janice last June.
May his soul soar on eagles wings and may all who loved him find peace and joy knowing that he is being help in the palm of God's hand.
Steve Schmidt
May 3, 2009
I met Tom when I first joined FedEx in 1977. From the beginning I realized that Tom was a "straight-shooter" and he never minced words. You always knew where you stood with Tom. We remained friends long after I left Memphis and I cherish the limited times we were able see each other over the years.
Truly a "good guy" and a good friend. He will be sorely missed by those that were honored to know him. My thoughts and prayers to all of his family and friends.
Steve Schmidt
Charlotte (Shorty) Mc Neal
May 3, 2009
I will always remember Tom with loving memories as a wonderful person and a life long friend
Margaret Ivey
May 3, 2009
I worked for Tom as his secretary and administrative assistant for 23 years. He was the "Best" in the office, as a friend, and saw me though may difficult situtions in my life. Tom will be dearly missed by myself as well as my husband, Graves, and will remain lovingly in our memories. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Staff of Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemeteries & Cemeteries
May 3, 2009
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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