Patricia Ann “Rissie” Bray McNeel

February 26, 2024

Patricia Ann “Rissie” Bray McNeel, a resident of Pensacola, Florida, passed away on February 24, 2024, in Mobile, Alabama. She was born on May 8, 1935, in Louisville, MS. Rissie was preceded in death by her husband, Joe W. McNeel, Jr., and her daughter JoAnne McNeel Key. She is survived by her son Joe W. McNeel III (Kate) of Fairhope, AL; four grandchildren, Andrew Key (Chelsea) of Marrietta, GA; Stella Key of Chicago, IL; Morgan McNeel Waters (Sam) of Oxford, MS; Alex McNeel of Fairhope, AL; great-grandchildren, Annie Key and Walter Key; and son-in-law Mark (Xan) Key of Tuscaloosa, AL.

Rissie was a great wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. She was the youngest of 8 children, and she truly realized how fortunate she was to have so many brothers and sisters. She was given the “Most Outstanding” designation in her graduating class at Lawrence County (AL) H. S., and she then went on to become an official court reporter.

She moved to Century, Florida, in 1957 when her family moved there for her father to run the sawmill at Alger Sullivan Lumber Co. It was there where she met her husband, Joe, who had accepted a job as the company bookkeeper and accountant. They eloped six weeks later and were married for 46 years until Joe passed away in 2003.

Rissie was well read, sharp, spunky and witty. She will be missed for her fun, energetic personality and her fabulous cooking talent that she generously shared with so many. She was constantly preparing gourmet meals and deserts for friends and family. She dearly loved all her friends, and she was especially fond of her Pensacola friends who she spent many happy times with in the latter years of her life. She was a member of the Century United Methodist Church for 60 years from 1957-2017 and then became a member of the Pensacola United Methodist Church.

A graveside service will be held on February 28, 2024, at 12:00 pm at Oak Hill Cemetery in Atmore, AL. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rissie’s memory may be made to your favorite charity.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Obituaries