Michael Henry McNeece, Ph.D., 76, of Saltillo, passed into eternal life on Friday, May 9, 2025 from Sanctuary Hospice House. Mike was born May 7, 1949 to Robert O. and Annie Frances Hall McNeece of Itawamba County, Mississippi.
Mike spent his life dedicated to his faith, his family, and his community. He was a member of Gum Tree Presbyterian Church (ARP). He grew up in East Tupelo and graduated from Tupelo High School. He also graduated from Itawamba Community College, twice from Ole Miss, and earned his doctorate from Mississippi State. As an educator, Dr. McNeece was a teacher and/or administrator in several North Mississippi districts including Tupelo and Greenville, Marshall and Itawamba counties, TCPS, and Delta State University.
The “Doc,” as he was called by educators, was active in the leadership of the Mississippi Professional Educators for over a decade, including serving as President. After retirement, he was active in the Retired Education Personnel of Mississippi (REPM).
Mike was always concerned with the government of our community and state. He was involved in large or small ways promoting pro-life candidates and good government. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force and was active in civic groups. At times he taught Sunday School, served as an Elder in his church, and was a Gideon.
He and his wife, Lettie Lackey McNeece, enjoyed traveling throughout the country, as well as Europe and Israel. There was not much left in the “Bucket List.”
Mike is survived by his wife, Lettie. They shared five children and eleven grandchildren: Chris McNeece (Sarah), Elijah, William, Wyatt, and Kate of Round Rock, TX; Carrie Riley, Drew, Colby, and Caden of Tupelo; Andy McNeece (Courtney), and Liam of Bentonville, AR; Kathryn Kelso Harlow (Trey), Beau and Everette of Atlanta, GA; and D.K. Kelso (Jessica), and Archer of Memphis.
Also surviving are his sisters and brother; Judy McNeece and husband Mike Stroup, Sherrye Gregory (Mike), brother Jesse McNeece (Donna), and brother-in-law Mike Creecy. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, and a sister, Francine Creecy. He will be remembered by many loving nieces, nephews, and friends.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 PM Monday, May 12, 2025 in the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo with Charles Covington, pastor of Gum Tree Presbyterian Church, officiating. Private burial will be at Union Grove Cemetery, Hwy 25 south of Fulton in the Tilden Community. Visitation will be from Noon-service time on Monday only. For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed at hollandfuneraldirectors.com/live-streaming beginning at 2 PM Monday.
In place of flowers, donations can be made to Gideons International, 2771 Old Canton Rd, Jackson, Mississippi 39216 or P. O. Box 1073, Tupelo, Ms. 38802. Holland Funeral Directors (662 840 5000) is honored to be serving the family.
