Clifton McNeil, Jr. obit

Clifton McNeil, Jr.

May 25, 1939 - December 21, 2025

 He was not on the list.

Clifton Anthony McNeil Jr., affectionately known as “Cliff” to some and “Sam” to others, peacefully transitioned on Sunday, December 21, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on May 25, 1939, in Mobile, Alabama, he was the oldest of nine children born to Clifton McNeil Sr. and Lillian “Marie” McNeil (Mitchell). From the beginning, his life reflected purpose, discipline, and quiet strength.

At an early age, Clifton was baptized at Historic Stone Street Baptist Church. His faith, character, and moral compass were deeply shaped by the example and guidance of his father, Clifton McNeil Sr., whose influence remained evident throughout his life. He was known for keeping his Bible close and for living with integrity, kindness, and humility. Clifton lived a clean life and was a positive influence on youth through the way he lived and treated others. His presence alone taught lessons—often without a single word spoken.

Growing up during the Civil Rights Movement, Clifton embraced his parents’ emphasis on education, excellence, and perseverance. He excelled academically and athletically, standing out in both baseball and football at Historic Central High School, where he graduated in 1958. His talent and work ethic earned him a baseball scholarship to Grambling State University.

While at Grambling, Clifton’s rare speed and athletic ability caught the attention of legendary coach Eddie Robinson, who transitioned him to the football team, where he emerged as a phenomenal player. It was also at Grambling that Clifton met the love of his life, Ruby Rocio—“that pretty girl with those big, pretty legs and big brown eyes”—who captured his heart for more than 60 years. She later became his devoted wife and lifelong partner, and from their union, many blessings were given.

In 1962, Clifton was drafted into the National Football League by the Cleveland Browns, where he played four seasons as a wide receiver and was a member of the 1964 Cleveland Browns World Championship team. He later played in the Super Bowl with the Washington Redskins. In 1968, he was traded to the San Francisco 49ers and delivered a historic season—leading the NFL with 71 receptions, scoring seven touchdowns, and earning Pro Bowl honors. Known for his slim frame and elite speed, Clifton earned the nicknames Sticks, Spider, Road Runner, and Night Train. He also played for the New York Giants before concluding his professional career with the Houston Oilers in 1973.

In recognition of his athletic excellence and lasting impact, Clifton was inducted into the Mobile Sports Hall of Fame and received Grambling State University Legacy Honors.

After retiring from professional football, Clifton returned to Mobile, Alabama, where his greatest legacy unfolded beyond the field. He devoted himself to service and mentorship—coaching Little League teams, guiding young athletes, and working faithfully with the Celebrity Golf Tournament Association, helping raise funds for scholarships, the United Negro Fund, the Franklin Health Care Building Fund, and the Tommy Agee Foundation.

During the early 2000s, Clifton became a special education teacher at Burns Middle School. In the classroom, as in life, he led with patience, compassion, and quiet authority, leaving a lasting imprint on his students and colleagues. He proudly served within the Mobile County Public School System.

Clifton also served faithfully as an Associate Pastor of New Jerusalem Ministries, working alongside his brother, Rev. George McNeil, and continuing his lifelong commitment to faith and service.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifton McNeil Sr. and Lillian “Marie” McNeil; his siblings Leslie, Carolyn, George, Elaine, James, and Harriet; and his son-in-law, Michael Campbell. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife, Ruby McNeil; his son, Patrick McNeil; his daughter, Melodie McNeil-Campbell; his grandchildren Michael, Patrick (Geralyn), Isaiah, George Jordan, and Diamond Weaver; and his great-grandchildren Mikayla, Zerrick, Carson, Levi, Riley, Elzoria, Emma, and Iyla. He is also survived by his siblings Jerome McNeil and Barbara McNeil; a host of cousins; nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; one special cousin, Paulette Ballard; and one special friend and brother, Walter Beach III.

Clifton Anthony McNeil Jr. lived a life by faith—marked by discipline, excellence, humility, and love. His legacy is not measured solely by championships, honors, or titles, but by the lives he touched, the standards he set, and the quiet strength with which he walked each day. His life stands as a testament to faith lived out through action, service, and love.