Obituary of Neal Leighton McRainey III

Neal Leighton McRainey III, 60, passed away Thursday, November 19, 2020, at University of Florida Health Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, after a hard- fought battle with cancer. Neal was born July 11, 1960, in Asheville, North Carolina. He was the son of the late Neal Leighton McRainey, Jr. and Betty Frye McRainey, who survives. Neal grew up in Graham, North Carolina, a graduate of Graham High School and attended The University of North Carolina-Wilmington. During those years, he discovered a true love for the ocean and fishing. His path in life took him to the Florida coast where he spent many years as a cook and chef. His favorite place to visit and live was St. Augustine, Florida. One of his most prideful memories in the food industry was preparing meals and talking with players from the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles during the first Superbowl hosted in Jacksonville. He will always be remembered for his witty and dry sense of humor, his love for animals, and his ability to talk our family parakeet down from a neighbor’s tree. He never thought twice about taking in strays (including a pet rooster and a flying squirrel). He was incredibly creative and artistic and could see the potential in most anything that otherwise would be overlooked. He gifted his family and friends with so many pieces of his art and it will forever be cherished. Neal also had a green thumb. With only a few seeds, he could grow a bountiful garden- and with that talent our family of seven always had plenty to eat. Although Neal was a free spirit, his journey led him to his best friend, Pam Mullen. She was the love of his life and his girlfriend for many years. Pam was both his caregiver and his everything through it all. His proudest accomplishment was his daughter, Libby McRainey. When he spoke of her, his voice would always soften, and we all recognized his endearing love for her. In addition to Pam of Jacksonville, Florida; Libby of Durham, North Carolina, and his first grandchild due in June of 2021, survivors include two sisters, Crystal Waggoner and husband Mike Waggoner of Graham, North Carolina and Kimberly Heath and husband Edward Heath of Colorado Springs, Colorado; as well as many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. He is preceded in death by his younger brothers, Tony Dean McRainey, and Todd Dale McRainey. Neal found great happiness in simple joys and he loved his family.