Neil Ullrich

Neil Stevens Ullrich, 91, passed away peacefully in McKinney, Texas on March 18, 2025. Born at home with the assistance of a midwife in Port Huron, Michigan, Neil was the first child of Gladys Cornelia (Stevens) Ullrich and Earl Charles Henry Ullrich.

A proud graduate of Port Huron High School, Class of 1951, he was later honored as an inductee into the Port Huron Sports Hall of Fame.

Neil met the love of his life, Lillian Odle, at a square dance — the only time he ever attended one — and they were married on July 25, 1953. At the time, Neil worked as a bus mechanic, showing the strong work ethic and determination that would define his life.

He served honorably in the United States Army at Fort Dix, New Jersey, and continued his service in the Army Reserves for an additional five years.

Neil was employed with GAB Robins for 42 years, where he rose from a property adjuster to Branch Manager in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, and Regional Manager, with assignments in Springfield, Illinois; Boston, Massachusetts; and eventually the company’s home office in Parsippany, New Jersey.

In 2000, Neil and Lillian retired to Greensboro, Georgia, where they enjoyed living on Lake Oconee. They were avid golfers and treasured spending time with family, boating on the lake and playing Mexican Train Dominoes. Neil was extremely active in the Greensboro First United Methodist Men’s group and found a calling serving his church and his community. He loved building homes with Greensboro’s Habitat for Humanity chapter, being a member of the Georgia Classic Cruisers car club, and volunteering as an AARP Tax Aide in both Georgia and Texas.

After celebrating 63 wedding anniversaries together, Lillian Ullrich passed away on September 11, 2016. Neil soon moved to McKinney, Texas to be closer to his remaining family. In Texas, he volunteered with McKinney Seniors Helping Seniors and was a proud member of the North Texas American Motors Club.

Neil was preceded in death by his parents, Gladys and Earl, and wife, Lillian. Neil is survived by his children, Debbie Stapleton of Richardson, Texas and Neil Stevens Ullrich Jr. of Plano, Texas. His four grandchildren, Melanie Stapleton, Christopher Stapleton, Morgan Ullrich, and Carson Ullrich; his sister Jeanne C. Ray and husband Dwinal W. Ray; his niece, Jennifer; and nephews William and David, as well as their families.

A committal service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on May 16, 2025, at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery where Neil will be laid to rest alongside his beloved wife, Lillian Ullrich.

He will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his strength of character, his love of sports, his affinity for chocolate-covered cherries, and the joy he brought to all who knew him.