Deceased
Richard “Dick” V. Neill, born September 18, 1934 in Winston-Salem NC, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2023 in Fort Pierce FL. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and an accomplished lawyer. Known for his intelligence, sound advice and generosity, he was always willing to advocate for the pursuit of justice.
Dick was the third son of the late Roy Lee and Mary Sue (Taylor) Neill. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Ann “Mase” Chapin Neill, their six children, Richard Neill, Jr. (Nancy), Will Neill (Donna), Ann Mason “Nancy” Neill, Taylor Hensley, Mary Cotton (Bill) and Carrie Benway, and his brother, David Neill (Betty). He also leaves behind 11 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren (and one on the way), and multiple nieces and nephews.
In 1950, at 16 years of age, Dick began college at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. He was inducted into Phi Eta Sigma and Phi Beta Kappa in 1953 at 19 years of age, and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. in Business Administration. Dick then joined the U.S. Army in 1962 and always appreciated his country and the opportunities it afforded him and his family.
In 1957, Dick began Law School at the University of Florida, where he sat for Law Review and graduated #1 in his class with a Phi Kappa Phi designation in 1959. He initially practiced law in Orlando, but in 1960, returned to Fort Pierce to join Fee Parker & Neill as a named partner. An entrepreneur at heart, he co-founded a new firm, Neill Griffin Jeffries & Lloyd, in 1970.
Dick was recognized as an outstanding regional trial lawyer due to his exceptional judgement, work ethic, integrity and intelligence. He was among the first lawyers to be certified by the Florida Bar as a specialist in Civil Trial Law, and was admitted to the Supreme Court of the United States, the Supreme Court of Florida, and the 4th, 5th, and 11th Circuit U.S. Courts of Appeals, as well as being appointed to the Judicial Nominating Commission for the 4th District Court of Appeal. Dick also served the Florida Bar as a member of its Board of Governors and grievance committees and, at the request of the Chairman, served the State of Florida by acting as interim General Counsel to the Florida Public Service Commission in Tallahassee.
Dick was also integral to his family’s farming operations with his father, Roy, and his brothers: Kenneth, Bobby, and David. Roy, Kenneth, Dick, and David established Big Red Tomato Packers in Fort Pierce FL. He and David farmed vegetables, primarily tomatoes, for decades, and also ran a cow and calf operation.
A long-standing member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Fort Pierce, Dick served on its Vestry and was deeply committed to his faith. For over 20 years, Dick and Mase were also seasonal members of the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Vail, Colorado.
Dick was a strong believer in the importance of education and, as such, was involved in the early development of St. Edward’s School in Vero Beach, FL. Dick served on its Board of Trustees for over 18 years and served as an Honorary Trustee until his death. As an early Chair of the Board, Dick led the effort to gain financial independence for the school and facilitated the purchase of land which serves as its current campus.
Dick had a zest for life and a vision for the community which extended beyond his professional achievements. He saw a community need for a private marina in the 1970’s, and co-developed Taylor Creek Marina in Fort Pierce. He loved flying, hunting and fishing with his brothers and cousins, playing tennis and golfing, scuba diving with his sons, and alpine skiing with his daughters. An avid and accomplished card player, he enjoyed gin rummy, poker, and bridge with family and friends.
Dick Neill lived his life with integrity and a deep sense of duty to his wife, children, clients and country. While his intelligence and abilities were evident in his numerous professional accomplishments, it was his generous nature, consistent loyalty, and practical wisdom which truly touched the lives of all who knew him.
