John Neil Rothe

John Neil Rothe went to be with the Lord on December 30, 2024 at the age of 80. He was a man of strength, perseverance, and hard work, who loved his family. He will be greatly missed; however, his memory will not be forgotten by all that loved him.

He was born July 14, 1944 in Birmingham, Alabama and enjoyed growing up in a close knit neighborhood with family. Neil loved being outside, especially when he was riding bikes and playing sports with his cousins and friends. Neil moved with his family to New Orleans when his Father decided to pursue his Master of Divinity and become a Baptist minister. After his Father’s graduation, the family moved to Lewisville, Mississippi. Neil graduated from Lewisville High School where he was an amazing athlete. He lettered in three sports, football, basketball, and track. Neil was a local, area, and state champion through his athletic achievements.

After high school, Neil graduated from Mississippi State University where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Banking and Finance. He then joined the U.S. Treasury Department, Comptroller of the Currency as a National Bank Examiner, where he worked for many years. Neil went on to have an extensive banking career where he served in various positions in Corporate Loan Exam, Commercial Banking, and Credit Administration. In 2002, he moved to Texas where he served as Senior Vice President, Regional Credit Officer for the State of Texas at Regions Bank. Afterward, he moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where he served as Senior Vice President and Manager of the Commercial Loan Review Department at First Horizon until his retirement.

Neil was married to his lovely wife, Mary, for over 50 years. He was a devoted husband and father. Neil and Mary had one daughter, Beth, who was his pride and joy. Neil worked hard to instill his principles of integrity, determination, and strong work ethic in his family. When he became a grandfather, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and keeping up with all of their activities.

Some of Neil’s personal interests included antique car collecting and fitness. He enjoyed owning and refurbishing several European antique cars. Neil enjoyed taking his automobiles to vintage car shows where he could visit with other automobile enthusiasts and was always an avid reader of automobile magazines. Also, his childhood love of sports carried over into adulthood where he was an active runner and cyclist. He enjoyed spending time with his fitness group friends. Neil competed in and won numerous long distance running races as well biathlons. The epitome of his adult running career was training and completing two marathons.

Neil is survived by his dear wife, Mary Elizabeth Rothe of Birmingham, Alabama, his beloved daughter, Elizabeth Ann Mathews (John) of Birmingham, Alabama as well as three grandchildren whom he adored, Ava Elizabeth Mathews, John Christopher Mathews, IV, and William Archer Mathews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Alan Rothe and Vernie Irene Rothe as well as his sister, Joyce Alan Farr.

Memorial services will be held for family at the Southern Heritage Cemetery. As we celebrate Neil’s life, we rejoice in knowing that he is safe in God’s hands and forever in our hearts.