David Ray McNeal, 85, of Johnston City, Illinois, passed from this life on September 11, 2026, at the Community Living Center (CLC) at the VA in Marion, Illinois.

David was his name, but to the people who knew and loved him, he was Mac-a-Doo, or simply Mac.

David was a man who simply loved being alive. Even at 85, he still had places he wanted to go, people he wanted to see, things he wanted to do, and, most likely, a few bets he wanted to place. He never really thought of himself as finished. There was always another game to watch, another horse to study, another story to tell, or another day to look forward to.

Born and raised in Southern Illinois, David graduated from Johnston City High School and later attended Southern Illinois University (SIU) in Carbondale, IL. His life took a different direction when he served in the United States Army from 1962 to 1964. After returning home, David worked at Allen’s in Herrin for 10 years alongside his mother and later worked at Scott Lad Foods.

Eventually, David found his way to the job that would become the most meaningful chapter of his life, operating Stardust Golf Course in Johnston City. The Stardust Golf Course brought together so many of the things David enjoyed most: golf, sports, competition, friendship, conversation, and people. Stardust was never simply a job to David. It became a gathering place, a workplace, a second home, and a part of who he was. He shared that life with his wife, JoAnn Jansco McNeal, with whom he was married to for 52 years. Together, David and JoAnn built a life around the Stardust and created countless memories. David had many interests, but sports were always among his favorites. If there was a ball involved, he would find a reason to watch the game. Of course, watching the game was even better when he had a little money riding on the outcome. Horse racing brought him that same sense of excitement. He enjoyed studying the horses, looking at the odds, making his selections, and taking his chances.

Billiards was more than a pastime for David, it was a passion. He loved the history, the competition and skill, and the strategy of the game and could watch pool for hours. He enjoyed traveling to pool tournaments and events, where he could watch great players, visit with fellow pool enthusiasts, and simply be around the game he loved.

David also found plenty of enjoyment in life’s simple pleasures such as a perfectly ripe “Jet Star” tomato, a cold Budweiser, an overtime game, and some good conversation. More than anything, David loved his family. He leaves behind his wife, JoAnn Jansco McNeal; his daughters, Deborah McNeal Laufer; Mandy McNeal Horn (Kevin Hahn), and his stepson, John David “JD” Tomlinson II (Tami Tomlinson).

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jagger and Skyler Pirtle; Myles, Mayson, and Merick Horn; JD Tomlinson III and Taylor Tomlinson Small; and his great-grandchildren, Jason James “JJ” Small and Lila Katherine Tomlinson.

He is survived by his four sisters, Anna Ruth Cavitt, Nancy “Roach” Hagans, Judy LaPradd, and Linda Forbes.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Earl “Duke” McNeal, and his parents, LeRoy and Ruth McNeal.

David wasn’t ready to leave. If given the choice, he probably would have bet on himself to keep going. But in the end, his body had other plans.

His family will carry his stories with them, remember his laughter, and think of him whenever a ballgame is on, a horse is running, or a pool match is being played. Every now and then, we will wonder what he would have bet.

David may have taken his last breath, but the life he lived, the memories he made, and the people he touched will remain.

David’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 3:00pm to 5:00pm at the Stardust Golf Course in Johnston City, IL. A military salute honoring David and his service will take place at 4:30pm.

Family and friends are invited to gather together to share memories, tell stories, remember the good times, and celebrate David’s life.