Neill Preston Ferrill

1966 - 2024

Neill Preston Ferrill

May 7, 1966 - November 13, 2024

Neill Preston Ferrill, age 58 of Smyrna, passed away Wednesday, November 13, 2024, after a courageous two-and-a-half year battle with brain cancer. He died peacefully in the arms of his wife while surrounded by his loving family.

Neill was born and raised in Martinsville, VA. After Neill graduated from Martinsville High School, he then attended the University of Virginia and graduated in 1988. Neill later moved to the Atlanta area where he raised his family. He held numerous sales jobs throughout his career and most recently with UL Solutions. He loved connecting with clients.

Neill was also active in the community. For years, he taught life skills classes to juveniles in the Cobb County court system. He was also an active member of the Vinings Cumberland Rotary Club where he served as president 2016 - 2017. And he was recently awarded Rotarian of the year.

As a cancer patient, Neill participated in a nine-month trial for glioblastoma brain cancer research. He had multiple surgeries, did many promotional brain cancer videos for Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta. Neill and his wife, Robin, also had the honor of speaking at the American Brain Tumor Association Conference in September of 2023 with Neill's amazing neuro oncologist, Dr. Erin Dunbar. Neill's son said he was brain tumor famous.

We want to thank our Piedmont family and Piedmont Physicians Neuro Oncology Atlanta for the love and care given to Neill during this difficult journey. We could not imagine walking this road without them.

Neill was a friend to many and loved his family deeply. When Neill put his mind to do something, he did it fully. He ran many half marthons and marathons, including the New York City and Chicago marathons. He embraced beekeeping with his wife, Robin. He loved his flower garden and to work in the yard. He and his wife backpacked the Appalachian Trail in Georgia. One of Neill and Robin's favorite vacations was traveling on a hippy bus to all the Canyons of the West. They made yearly trips to Maine during the month of June and they enjoyed spending time in the mountains of North Carolina.

Neill was preceded in death by his father, James Ronald Ferrill. Survivors include his mother, Elaine Debes Ferrill of Hilton Head, SC; his aunt, Arlene Gallagher of Katy, TX; his loving wife, Robin Kelly Ferrill; daughter, Leah Marie Rousey (Jeremy) of Marietta, son, Reid Preston Ferrill (Katie) of Smyrna, son, Graham Watkins of San Jose, CA, daughter, Mallory Nefzger (Stefan) of Munich, Germany; sister, Allison Ferrill Stiller (Michael) of Hilton Head, SC; and granddaughters, Stella Grace, Emerson Kate, and Amelie Elisabeth Nefzger, also soon to be born granddaughter, Nora Reid Rousey; and numerous cousins.

Neill will be remembered for his infectious smile, his quick wit and his ability to find humor in every situation. He was so positive and encouraging which bode well while fighting this horrific battle. Up until his final moments, he was cheerful, optimistic and full of life. His final months and eventually days were spent creating as many memories as possible with his family and friends. Neill believed everyone should be living as if it were the last days of their life and soak up and appreciate every moment with their family because you never know when it is your time to depart this earth.

A celebration of his life will take place at Smyrna First United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 11 a.m. A reception will immediately follow in the Welcome Center.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to the American Brain Tumor Association www.abta.org/ways-to-donate/memorial-honor-giving/, Vinings Cumberland Rotary Club or to Smyrna First United Methodist Church. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories on the Ferrill family tribute page. The family is being cared for by Carmichael Funeral Home in Smyrna www.carmichaelcares.com 770-435-4467.