Castillaine Robert "Rob" Mcneal

Castillaine Robert “Rob” McNeal was born on 5 March, 1955 in Panama City, Florida, Tyndall Air Force Base. He was born into a career military family, and was the third child of Curtis I. and Mary (Fulp) McNeal. Rob was a beautiful blue-eyed, dark-haired boy who was adored by his older brother, Ike, and sister, Barbara. Just after the birth of their 4th child, Donald, the family was moved to Spangdahlem Air Force Base in Germany. At age 3, Rob went to Frankfurt for surgery for an eye condition. He had a severe reaction to the surgical anesthesia and his heart stopped. Tragically, the 3-year old suffered irreparable brain damage. His family was flown back to the States, and were told Rob would be in a vegetative state for the remainder of his brief life expectancy.

Rob defied every medical prediction and every expectation. Wrapped in the love and dedication of his parents and siblings, he began to overcome his physical hurdles. Rob strove to walk, and to play, and was encouraged and loved every step. His family continued to persevere and pray, and Rob worked hard and began to speak again. His doctors and therapists called him a miracle.

When he was 13, the family moved to Robins Air Force Base here in Warner Robins. Rob attended Happy Hour School until he graduated at age 18. He went to work at the Happy Hour Vocational School for the next 38 years, and adhered to his parent’s work ethic, missing work only when he was sick. Rob loved going to work, and spending time with his friends and staff at the Happy Hour parties and dances. He retired from the Happy Hour Vocational program at age 56.

Rob loved watching wrestling, NASCAR races, and Braves games with his dad. He knew the wrestlers by name, as well as his favorite race car drivers. He had an outstanding memory, and could sing the words to just about every Elvis song. During his dad’s illness, Rob would accompany his mother to the mall, the bank, or anywhere she wanted to go, to keep her safe. When his dad died, they became inseparable. They enjoyed the same TV shows, movies, and restaurants. Rob was always tender-hearted, kind, and respectful toward his mother, and he has been her strength, and reason for living since his dad’s passing.

On January 23rd, after an unexpected illness, Rob went to be with the Lord, his dad, and his older brother, Ike. He leaves behind his mom, Mary G. McNeal; sister, Barbara McNeal Rouse (Scott Snider); brother, Donald McNeal (Jana); and nieces and nephews, Jana Smith, Adam McNeal, Nick McNeal, Melissa Hart, and Bobby Archer. Rob is the sweet miracle his family faithfully loved and cared for through 65 years. He takes with him a piece of everyone’s heart. According to the hope we have in Jesus, we will be reunited with him in the future, and he will be whole and healthy.

Rob's mother Mary, passed away on Thursday, January 28th, so their family will be celebrating both of their lives together. Visitation will be on Sunday, January 31, 2021, from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., at McCullough Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m., in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home with Reverend Andy Cook officiating. Rob and Mary will be laid to rest next to each other in Magnolia Park Mausoleum privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial donations be given in memory of Rob to the Happy Hour Service Center, 202 N. Davis Dr., Warner Robins, GA 31093.
The family would like to express a special ‘thank you’ to Melisa McNeal Fox.

Learn about the measures McCullough Funeral Home is taking to ensure the health and safety of our guests at www.mcculloughfh.com. There you can sign an Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.