Dr. Stephen Robert Neece, age 76, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2024, at his home, with family at his side, in Plano, Texas. Born on February 11, 1948, in Dallas, Texas, Steve was a beacon of knowledge, compassion, and dedication throughout his life.
Steve's journey began in Dallas, where he attended Justin Kimball High School before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Southern Methodist University (SMU) in 1970. His pursuit of excellence led him to the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, Texas, where he earned his medical degree in 1973. He completed his Neurosurgical Residency at the University of Arkansas for the Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Arkansas, serving as Chief Resident of Neurological Surgery in his final year.
After becoming Board Certified, Steve entered private practice in Fort Worth, where he not only excelled in patient care but also held multiple committee appointments. His passion for medicine extended beyond his practice, as he shared his vast medical knowledge as a clinical instructor and assistant professor of Neurological Surgery at the University of Texas Health Sciences in San Antonio. Steve's commitment to both his profession and the advancement of medical science was unwavering, making significant contributions to the field and shaping the future of neurosurgery.
Steve was an esteemed member of several prestigious medical associations, including the American Board of Neurological Surgery, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), and the Texas Association of Neurological Surgeons (TANS). He was also an active member of the Dallas County Medical Society and the Texas Medical Association.
Steve's dedication to education was evident in his continuous pursuit of knowledge. He attended conferences annually to stay abreast of the latest techniques and best practices, a value he instilled in his children, taking immense pride in their personal and professional achievements.
On March 10, 1989, Steve married the love of his life, Corliss Hall, in Fort Worth, Texas. Together, they raised four children, creating a family filled with joy and cherished memories.
Outside his professional life, Steve found solace and rejuvenation in nature. His love for the mountains and the great outdoors led him to spend countless hours fly-fishing, white water rafting, hiking, and golfing. Evenings often found Steve in his backyard, tending to his flowers, listening to the soothing music of George Winston, and gazing at the stars. He delighted in baking chocolate soufflés with his children, moments that brought him immense joy.
An accomplished pilot, Steve earned his private pilot’s license and later his Cessna Citation rating, proudly flying family and friends across the U.S. After becoming an empty nester, Steve and Corliss welcomed a goldendoodle named Chase into their home. Chase quickly became a beloved companion, joining them on travels and evenings in the backyard.
Steve's legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched. He is survived by his beloved wife, Corliss, of Plano, Texas; son, Christopher; daughters, Erin (husband Ryan Bluske), Chelsea, and Ariel; sister, Dr. Jeanne Taylor (husband Don); step-daughter, Sandy Robertson (husband Clint); and many other loving family members, friends, colleagues, and patients who will miss him dearly and cherish his memory. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Rosemary, and his sister, Marianne.
A memorial service to honor Steve’s extraordinary life will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013.
Dr. Stephen R. Neece’s profound impact on medicine, his unwavering commitment to education, and his love for his family and nature will be remembered and celebrated by all who knew him.