Obituary of Neal Calip
Neal Calip
April 4, 1963 - June 28, 2019
The Celebration Of Life
© Jodi Daly
We are here to celebrate your life
And the measure of its worth
And every single life you touch
While you were on this earth.
We wish to pay our last respects.
That's why we all are here,
To thank you for your friendship
And all the memories we hold dear.
It's been a privilege to have known you.
We were family, not just friends,
And we will carry you in spirit
Until we meet up once again.
Neal Calip was called home on June 28, 2019 at the age of 56. Neal was a native of Hobart, Oklahoma, but resided in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Neal was born in Clinton, Oklahoma to Jerry Calip and Etta Mae Norris on April 4, 1963. Neal graduated from Hobart High School in 1981 and proceeded to East Central University, where he played football, eventually leading to a brief stint in the NFL with the San Diego Chargers. He then entered the education field; where he taught physical education and coached football, basketball, track, and everything in between, collectively for 30 years. Neal touched the lives of many students over the years in Oklahoma, Illinois, Texas, and Florida. For the last 18 years, Neal has taught physical education at Pinellas Park High School and Blanton Elementary School in St. Petersburg, Florida. His passion for athletics, and his ability to relate to students goes unrivaled. Not only was he an excellent coach, teacher, mentor, and sports enthusiast, but he was a pretty good fisherman too!
Neal Calip was the true embodiment of charisma. He had an infectious smile that lit up the darkest of rooms. A modest man, always willing to help others in need. In doing so, he positively impacted the lives of multiple students, colleagues, friends, family, and even strangers. Neal knew what was good for the soul; humor and laughter – two characteristics of which came natural to him. He could “hug the frown off of you” one minute and have you bent over in laughter the next. He had a way of turning every situation into a cherished moment of laughter. Neal’s wit and humor were one of a kind. Neal will be forever loved and forever missed; and in true Neal fashion “stay black.”
His loving survivors include the love of his life, his wife, Alicia Calip; and their children Jillian (Patrick), Spencer, B.J. (Kate), Maya, Conor, and Chelsea; and grandchildren Ramona and Gianna. His brother Clint Calip and his sister Mattie Chawinga; and as Neal would say, “his brothers from another mother,” Brad Calip (Darlean), Bryant Calip (Lynn), and Otis McMurray (Tina).He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry Calip and Etta Mae Norris; and his siblings: Jerry Calip, Jr., Regina Elix, Jeri Lynn Calip, Nina Ruth McMurray, and Ann Marie Calip; and his grandchildren, Justin and Joshua.
There will be two memorial services held in memory of Neal Calip; one in St. Petersburg, Florida, and one in Hobart, Oklahoma.
The Florida Memorial Service for Neal will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 6th, at St. Vincent’s, 5441 9th Avenue North, St. Petersburg, Florida 33710. Light refreshments and
memories, to follow in the reception hall. For those 21 and over, we will also be raising a glass in memory of Neal at 2:30 p.m. at The Elk’s Lodge, 2675 66th Street North, St. Petersburg, Florida 33710.
The Oklahoma Memorial Service for Neal will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, July 8th, at
First Baptist Church, 115 S. Jefferson Street, Hobart, Oklahoma 73651.
Memorial Donations may be made to: 50 Legs in Memory of Neal Calip https://50legs.org/
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Neal Calip, please visit Tribute Store
