The Tampa Bay Rays lost one of their biggest fans Monday, February 28, 2022. Arthur Neal Mack passed away at the age of 66 in Largo, FL.
Neal was born December 3, 1955, to Alonzo and Mary (Milner) Mack in Abilene, TX. The Mack family moved to Flora, IL in 1956 to care for Mary’s parents. Neal was a 1974 graduate of Flora Township High School and then graduated from Graceland College in Lamoni, IA in 1978. He went on to the University of Illinois for his medical degree. The majority of his career was in Emergency Medicine. He thrived on the challenges of that field. One co-worker commented on Neal’s compassion and kind bedside manner with the patients he cared for.
Neal was a devoted husband and father. His favorite pastimes were fishing, attending and following the Tampa Rays, traveling with family, gardening, music, going to Disney World with his children, and studying the Bible. Neal was a deep thinker, an avid reader, author of books, and loved sitting on the beach. He enjoyed grilling the ocean fish he caught, canning food from his garden, and making his mother’s dessert recipes.
Neal is survived by his wife of 34 years, Teresa; children: Aaron of Columbia, MO, Andrew (Kira), and grandson, Anderson, of Columbia, MO, Abram (Alejandra) of Medellin, Columbia, Hannah Crawford (Brandon) of League City, TX, Abby of Lakeland, GA, and Noah of Fort Myers, FL; his brother, Doug (Susan) of Flora, IL; many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Cathy; and aunt and uncle, Arthur (his namesake) and Dottie Greathouse.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, April 2, 2022, at the Flora Depot, 223 W. Railroad Street, Flora, Illinois. Please be prepared to write a short story or share a memory about Neal. Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora assisted the family with local arrangements. In lieu of flowers, eat a piece of your favorite dessert, contact someone you love, or consider a donation to Samaritan’s Purse. Donations will be accepted through the funeral home. To leave a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com