Brian “Bob” McNealy, 59, of Hillsboro, died on Sunday, April 26, 2020, at his residence.
A family funeral service will be conducted Friday, May 1, beginning at 11 a.m. at Hough and Sons Funeral Home in Hillsboro. Friends are invited to join the procession to the cemetery at approximately 11:30 a.m. for a graveside burial at Woodburn Cemetery in Bunker Hill. Please remain in your vehicles. The funeral will be live streamed via Facebook on the funeral home’s page beginning at 11 a.m., followed by a live stream of the graveside service.
Mr. McNealy was born Nov. 25, 1960, in Alton, to Bobby J. and Pauline (Copeland) McNealy. He married Vicky Campbell on March 20, 1982, and she survives.
He graduated from Civic Memorial High School in Bethalto with the class of 1978, then attended college at a law enforcement academy.
During his career, Mr. McNealy worked as a correctional officer, including teaching self defense classes to officers and Hillsboro High School female students. He also served as chief of police in Wilsonville and worked for the Hillsboro Police and Fire departments as a fireman and dispatch. He retired as a member of the Alton Belle gaming board.
He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Hillsboro and pastored at Reno Baptist Church. He was an avid lover of all pets and was known as the “clockman” as he repaired old clocks and CB radios. Additionally, he collected antique items and coins.
In addition to his wife, Mr. McNealy is survived by his daughters, Bobbie (husband Roger) Diveley of Staunton, Ashley (husband Bradley) O’Reilly of Gilberts and Christina McNealy of Troy; two brothers, Christopher (Jennisha) McNealy of Waterloo and the Rev. Matthew (Stephanie) McNealy of Bethalto; and his grandchildren, Olive Faith and Mercy Rose Diveley.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and daughter in infancy, Mary Ruth McNealy on Dec. 1, 1985.
Memorials may be directed to Paws Care of Montgomery County or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Online condolences to the family may be left at www.houghfuneralhome.com.
