Willis Ronny McNeill was born on September 18, 1942, in Corsicana, Texas. He completed the family circle by joining his three sisters, Bonnie, and twins, Bettye and Billie, born to Martin Griffith and Anna (Jackie) McNeill.
Ron attended school in Corsicana, and later in Mt. Pleasant where his dad was a Baptist pastor; then, back to Corsicana where he graduated in 1961. He was an athlete in high school and college, attending East Texas State University (now Texas A & M at Commerce) on a track and field scholarship. He was on the sprint medley relay team setting a new record time winning at Texas Relays in Austin, Texas, in 1965. Later that year his mile relay team won the National Championship in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In 1966, he married his college sweetheart, Phyllis Marie Yarbrough. They were happily married 56 years. He served in the US Army National Guard training at Fort Bliss in El Paso and at Fort Huachuca in Arizona.
Ron’s passion was coaching and teaching young athletes. This became a reality for him when he began working in the Plano Independent School District in 1970 as cross-country, track, and football coach. What a dynamic way to begin: the Plano Wildcats Football Team won the State Championship in Austin, Texas, that year. There were many other wins and successes in the following years in track and football. In 1980, he accepted a position as assistant principal at Plano Senior High for one year before moving to the Plano Athletic Department serving as assistant athletic director to John Clark and Tom Kimbrough from 1980 to 2003. Upon his retirement, the Plano Relays was renamed the Ron McNeill Invitational to honor his dedication and service to the sport. He was known by many as Mr. Fix It because he could repair, mend, or rebuild anything.
He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; son Chad and his wife Cathie McNeill; and daughter, Misti and her husband Chuck Wellenberger. His treasured grandchildren are Addison and Brinkley Wellenberger, and Griffith, Callie, and Quinn McNeill. His adored sisters are Bonnie Vaughn, Bettye Vaughn, and Billie Epperson. He also enjoyed the fine company of many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Ron was a faithful follower of Jesus since childhood. He passed from this life on March 26, 2023, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 1, 2023 at First Baptist Church Allen, 201 E McDermott Dr, Allen, 75002. Interment will follow at Fitzhugh Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Texas Baptist Institute & Seminary. https://tbi.edu/give/