Rodney Leo Neil

Rod Neil, age 87, of Alexander City, Alabama, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2026. He was surrounded in love by his closest friends and family. Rod was born in Bloomington, Illinois, where he attended Trinity High School. He then went to Saint Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa, on a basketball scholarship. He finished his basketball career at Howard College (which later became Samford University) in 1958. Upon graduation and following in his father’s footsteps, he began a lifetime career in the insurance business. His career spanned over 50 years, beginning at State Farm in Birmingham, Alabama, and continuing at Colonial Life in Columbia, South Carolina. Everywhere he worked, he mentored others along the way, creating not just colleagues but lifelong friends.

Rod married his high school sweetheart, Mary Ann McGraw, in 1962. They began raising their family of four children in Birmingham. He coached many little league basketball and baseball teams, beginning a strong legacy of teaching life lessons through sports. His kids would say his coaching style was that he coached you hard, but loved you even harder. He was famous for his perfect recall of every highlight of his children and grandchildren’s games –- from little league through college. It was not uncommon to find the entire Neil family at the ballpark from sunup to sundown.

Rod and Mary Ann retired to Lake Martin and loved their life and friendships on the lake, at Willow Point Country Club and their church family at Saint John the Apostle Catholic Church. One of his greatest joys was his family time at the lake and watching his grandkids grow closer to one another. “Grandy” to his seven grandkids, he never missed a track meet, soccer match, dance recital, gymnastics meet, baseball, football, or basketball game.

Rod is survived by his children: Doug (Rush), Todd (Lelia), Greg (Kellie), and Courtney; siblings: Nancy, Gary, and Larry; grandchildren: Katharyn Echols (Ben), Lowry, Fuller, Caitlin Kingsmore (AJ), Mae, Patrick, and Leo; two great-grandchildren: James Kingsmore and Gray Echols; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Rose Neil; his wife of 49 years, Mary Ann McGraw; and his brother, Gordon.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church Monday, March 30th, at 10:00AM, with visitation at 9:00AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to Racing for Children's (see the link below) benefiting Children’s of Alabama and the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders.

Rod’s greatest passions in life were his faith and his family. We are grateful for the life he lived, and the love he gave, and we will carry his memory with us always.