Neill Wade McArthur Jr.

Neill Wade McArthur, Jr. went home to be with his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ on Tuesday, January 30, 2024. Neill was born in Jacksonville, Florida on August 1st, 1947 to Neill Wade McArthur, Sr. and Frances Myers McArthur.

Neill grew up in the Ortega and Venetia neighborhoods of Jacksonville, Florida, attending Ortega Elementary and Lakeshore Middle School, as well as two years at the Bolles School before graduating from what was then called Robert E. Lee High School in 1965. Neill briefly attended Emory at Oxford and the University of the South before settling in at the University of Florida where he earned a Bachelor of the Arts in Political Science in June of 1969, followed by a Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida School of Law in December of 1971. Shortly after law school he also earned his MBA from the University of North Florida. After a very brief stint in private practice, Neill got a job with the Seaboard Coastline Railroad for over a dozen years before it was absorbed into what would eventually become CSX.

Neill eventually moved on to work for the Office of General Counsel for the City of Jacksonville specializing in contract law, and also representing many of the City's boards, commissions, and quasi independent agencies in his 26 years with the City. Neill married the former Raya Ann Bugeski on November 18, 1978. They had a loving, fun, fantastic and exciting marriage for over 40 years. As a result of that marriage, they had a son, Neill WADE McArthur, III, who thought the world of his father. Later in life Neill and Raya also enjoyed spending their summers at their mountain house in Highlands, North Carolina. Neill cherished his family and his faith more than anything in the entire world, but a close third was his love for University of Florida athletics, particularly the football team. Neill was a rabid supporter of the Gators and was a season ticket holder for nearly 40 years, including being a 'Bull Gator' after he retired. Neill passed his passion for the Gators on to his son, Wade; some of the most cherished memories for both of them involved spending time cheering on the team, and their last lunch together was spent discussing what the team might look like next season.

Neill is predeceased by parents, Frances and Neill McArthur, Sr., and his loving wife, Raya who passed away nearly five years to the day prior to his own passing. He is survived by his son Wade, his daughter-in-law Scarlett, and three precious grandsons , Neill Wade "Mac" McArthur, IV, Fortson Lee McArthur, and Robert Blanton "Bobby" McArthur. All three grandsons miss their "Papa" very much.

A memorial service celebrating Neill's life will be held at the Ortega Church, 4807 Roosevelt Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida, at 11:00 AM on February 22, 2024, with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the please consider a donation to Florida Victorious (https://floridavictorious.com/community-impact/), in Neill's memory.