Dr. Clifford G. Neill

CARBONDALE - Dr. Clifford Grant Neill, 97, of Carbondale, passed away on Friday, February 15, 2019 at St. Louis University Hospital, St. Louis, MO.



He was born at Lost Nation, IA on March 14, 1921 to Robert Moffet and Hazel (Edmiston) Neill. On December 20, 1944 he married Virginia Lee McQuater in Tilden. They shared an astounding 70 years of marriage at her passing on July 31. 2015.



Survivors include, a son and daughter-in-law, Michael Grant and Michelle (Palmer) Neill of Carbondale; daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia (Neill) and Paul Charles Belmont of St. Louis, MO; son-in-law, Dr. J. Kevin Dorsey of Springfield; six grandchildren, Michael Patrick Dorsey, Jennifer Belmont Jennings and husband Brent, Andrew Neill Belmont and wife Kami, Ryan Neill Dorsey and wife Ellen, Chelsea Diane Neill and husband Jon and Dr. Colin Grant Neill; five great grandchildren, Baden Michael Dorsey, Ava Diane Dorsey, William Grant Jennings, Lillian Frances Dorsey, and Alice Marie Dorsey.



He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife and a daughter, Diane Sue Dorsey, on January 14, 1999.



Dr. Neill attended Coulterville High School, Southern Illinois University and then Washington University School of Dental Medicine, graduating in 1946. He served his country as a Captain in the United States Army serving in Heidelberg, Germany. Dr. Neill made Carbondale his home and worked as a dentist until his retirement in 2007 at the age of 86.



Dr. Neill not only practiced dentistry but gave back to the community in many ways. His memberships included past President of the Illinois Academy of Dental Practice Administration, past President of the Washington University Alumni Association, Fellow International College of Dentists, Elliot Society of Washington University and President’s Council of Southern Illinois University. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Carbondale, where he served in all leadership, financial and teaching positions. He served six years, two as president, on Carbondale District 95 school board. He served on numerous boards in Southern Illinois to include, the YMCA, The Bank of Carbondale, McKendree College, Southern Illinois Hospital Corporation, Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, he served on the Advisory Committee for Dental Hygiene and SIU Carbondale’s Dental Laboratory Technical Schools, and served on the Governor’s Commission to study student unrest in the 1960’s. Dr. Neill served as a full professor at both the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine, Department of Surgical Specialties for thirteen years and Washington University School of Dental Medicine with two years serving as the Coordinator of Occlusion. He was elected to Carbondale Elementary School District 95 Hall of Fame. Dr. Neill received both the Lifetime Achievement Award from Southern Illinois District Dental Society and the Outstanding SIU Alumnus Award.



Dr. Neill considered John 14:1-7 and the Apostles Creed as the essentials for his faith and Christian walk.



Funeral services for Dr. Neill will be 11 AM, Tuesday, February 19, 2019 at the First United Methodist Church, Carbondale, with Reverend Alan Rhein officiating. Friends may call at the church from 9 AM until the time of service. A private family burial will be held in Tilden.



Memorials in Dr. Neill’s name may be made to First United Methodist Church, Carbondale or SIU Edwardsville Foundation for the School of Dental Medicine.



Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale is in charge of arrangements.



Please visit www.meredithfh.com to share a memory or story of Dr. Neill.