Rob Mcneilly; Obituary, Death: Nashville, Tennessee – It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Robert E. McNeilly, Jr., age 83, who died peacefully on April 19, 2016. Robert, affectionately known to many as “Rob,” was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. His passing leaves a deep void in the lives of his family, friends, and the community he served with such grace and generosity.
Rob was a man who lived a full and meaningful life, one marked by a profound love for his family, a dedication to his community, and a strong sense of service to others. Rob was born on July 5, 1932, in Nashville, Tennessee, to the late Robert E. McNeilly, Sr. and Eleanor (Tate) McNeilly. He grew up in a family where education, faith, and civic duty were held in high regard. He attended Parmer Elementary School, where he first demonstrated his love for learning, and later went on to Montgomery Bell Academy, where he excelled academically and was well-regarded by his peers.
Rob continued his education at Vanderbilt University, where he earned a degree that would serve as the foundation for his professional life. In his early adulthood, Rob served with honor in the U.S. Army, where he developed leadership skills and a sense of discipline that would guide him throughout his life. His military service was just one example of his lifelong commitment to service and to others.
After returning to Nashville, Rob embarked on a successful business career in both the printing and banking industries. He worked diligently, building a reputation as a man of integrity, fairness, and respect in all of his business endeavors. Throughout his career, Rob balanced his professional life with his passion for giving back to the community. He was involved in a variety of civic, educational, and church activities, dedicating countless hours as a volunteer.
Rob’s love for his community extended to his time at Christ Church Cathedral, where he was an active member, offering his time and talents to strengthen the church and support its mission. His contributions were felt far beyond the walls of the church, as he worked to make Nashville a better place for all. Rob’s love for his family was unwavering. He was married to his first wife, Mary Katherine Gordon, who preceded him in death. Together, they built a family that would carry on her legacy of love and service.
Rob is survived by his second wife, Bette Sue Jackson McNeilly, with whom he shared many years of happiness and companionship. His children, Robert E. McNeilly, III (Caroline), Caroline M. Bartholomew (David), and Eleanor M. Arnold (Scott), were the light of his life. He was deeply proud of his children and cherished every moment spent with them, offering guidance, wisdom, and unconditional love.
Rob was also a devoted grandfather to his ten grandchildren: Margaret McNeilly Thompson (John), William David Bartholomew, Jr. (Mary Liza), Mary Katherine Bartholomew, Edward Tate McNeilly, Eleanor Elizabeth Bartholomew, Robert Thomas McNeilly, Caroline St. Clair Bartholomew, Caroline Virginia Arnold, Elizabeth Gordon Arnold, and Robert Gates Folk Arnold. His grandchildren were a great source of joy for him, and he treasured the time spent with them, sharing stories, laughs, and lessons.
In addition to his children and grandchildren, Rob is survived by his step-children, Craig Parrish (Sherri), Nate Parrish (Nancy), and Corinne Ward (Jimmy). His step-grandchildren, Mary Craig Tortorice (Brandon), Ashley Colclasure (Ethan), Nate Parrish, Jr., Cole Parrish, Elizabeth Parrish, Corinne Parrish, Katie Ward, and Jimmy Ward, were also important parts of his life. Rob’s love for his extended family was evident, and he embraced his role as a father and grandfather to them with the same warmth and devotion he shared with his own children.
Rob was also blessed with the joy of being a great-grandfather to seven great-grandchildren, who brought immeasurable happiness to his life. His legacy will live on through his descendants, as they carry forward the lessons of kindness, generosity, and love that he instilled in each of them. A man of many interests, Rob enjoyed spending time outdoors and engaging in a variety of hobbies, including golf, reading, and travel.
His intellectual curiosity and sense of adventure kept him engaged with the world around him. Whether it was a simple walk in the park or a trip abroad, Rob found joy in the beauty and wonder of life, always eager to learn and experience new things. Rob’s friends and loved ones will remember him for his quiet strength, unwavering commitment to those he loved, and his kind and compassionate nature.
He was a man who gave generously of his time, talent, and resources, always putting others before himself. His gentle demeanor and wise counsel will be missed by all who knew him, but his legacy of service, love, and devotion will continue to inspire those who remain. Rob is preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Katherine Gordon, and his parents, Robert E. McNeilly, Sr. and Eleanor (Tate) McNeilly. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family, all of whom will carry on his memory with love and pride.
A visitation will be held on Friday, April 22nd, beginning at 9:30 AM at Christ Church Cathedral, located at 900 Broadway, Nashville, Tennessee. A funeral service will follow at 11:30 AM, where friends and family will gather to celebrate Rob’s life and honor his memory. After the service, the family will proceed to Mt. Olivet Cemetery for a committal service, where Rob will be laid to rest.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in Rob’s memory to Montgomery Bell Academy, the Vanderbilt Medical School Scholarship Fund, or the Leah Rose Senior Residence, or, in keeping with Rob’s spirit of kindness, to simply do someone else a kindness. Rob’s life was one of service to others, and his family encourages those who wish to honor him to continue his legacy by giving back to the community.
Robert E. McNeilly, Jr. leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and service that will endure in the hearts of all who knew him. Though his physical presence is no longer with us, his spirit will live on through his family, his work, and the many lives he touched along the way. Rest in peace, Rob. You will always be remembered, always be loved, and never forgotten.
