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Submitted: 3/28/13 • Approved: 3/29/13 • Last Updated: 4/1/13 • R854407-G0-S3
Sept 18 1887 - May 9 1973
*Obituary
Unnknown
Wednesday, May 9, 1973
Prominent Resident of Rogers Dies At 86
Thomas S. McNeil, 86, a prominent resident of Rogers for 81 years, died this morning at Rogers Memorial Hospital.
He was born Sept. 18, 1886, at Bald Knob. He resided at 124 Tulsa Dr. in Prairie Creek for the past several years.
McNeil, past owner of McNeil Chevrolet of Rogers for 50 years, sold the first automobile that was ever sold in Rogers, an event that took place in 1909.
He was a graduate of St. Louis University of Pharmacy and was married to the late Grace Rice McNeil, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. R.S. Rice, a prominent family for whom Rice Memorial Hospital (now Rogers Memorial) was named.
McNeil led an active and productive life in community and state affairs. He was a past president of the Arkansas Automobile Dealers Association, was the first man elected automobile dealer of the year in the state and was appointed an Arkansas Traveler by former Governor Orval Faubus.
In 1954, he served on the National Safety Committee, representing Arkansas, and was instrumental in work with the State Highway Department to secure better roads and highway safety programs for the state.
McNeil was well known in Northwest Arkansas for his activities in the Rotary organization, being a charter member and past president of the Rogers Rotary Club. He also assisted in the organization of the Rotary Clubs in Bentonville and Springdale.
He was a member of the Rogers Chamber of Commerce and was a Knights Templer Mason. McNeil was also a member of the Presbyterian Church of Rogers.
Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Margaret Sowden, Arkansas City, Kan., two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are pending at Callison Funeral Home of Rogers.
The family requests that those who desire to make contributions in McNeil's memory may do so through the National Rotary Foundation by sending contributions to John Harris, treasurer of the Rogers Rotary Club at the First National Bank in Rogers.
*Obituary (as written)
Northwest Arkansas Times
Thursday, May 10, 1973
Rogers — Thomas S. McNeil, 86, of Rogers, died Wednesday. Born Sept. 18, 1886 at Bald Knob, he was owner of the McNeil Chevrolet Co. for 50 years; served as president of the Arkansas Automobile Dealers Association; was the first Arkansan to be named "Dealer of the Year," was made an Arkansas Traveler by former Gov. Orval Faubus and was a member of the Rotary Club; the Masonic Lodge and the Presbyterian Church.
Survivors are one daughter, Mrs. Margaret Sowden of Kansas; two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made through the Rogers Rotary Club to the Thomas McNeil Memorial Fund at the National Rotary Foundation.
Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Callison Funeral Chapel with private graveside services.
Contributed on 3/28/13 by wfields55
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Record #: 854407