In Loving Memory of

Marshall O'Neal Colley

June 7, 1949 – June 23, 2026

Marshall “Neal” O’Neal Colley, 77, of Gulf Breeze, Florida, went to be with the Lord on June 23, 2026, in Dallas, Texas, surrounded by the love of his family.

Neal was born on June 7, 1949, in Montgomery, Alabama, to Andrew O’Neal Colley and Sarah Idell Colley. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Florida State University and later a Master of Business Administration from Troy University.

He began his career with Gulf Power Company in 1975 before following his passion into real estate development through his company, Neal Colley Enterprises. Over the decades, Neal helped shape communities across Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast (in Gulf Breeze, Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, Pace, Milton, and many other communities) through residential and commercial developments that changed the way this area grew. He approached every project with determination, vision, and integrity, and he built more than homes and communities: he built lasting relationships and earned the respect of colleagues who became lifelong friends.

Neal was an active member of the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, Shriners, Elks Lodge, and the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity — organizations that reflected his lifelong commitment to fellowship, service, and friendship.

While Neal was proud of his professional accomplishments, those who knew him best will remember him for much more. A man of deep faith, he believed each of us is called to become the fullest version of the person God made us to be, and he lived it, always striving to be his best and to bring out the best in everyone around him. He loved people and was never happier than when he was surrounded by them: warm, welcoming, and quick to make a stranger feel like an old friend. He found his greatest peace outdoors: on the water aboard his boat, One More Time, on the golf course or the tennis court, working his farm in Alabama, or sitting quietly in a hunting stand. He loved a cold Miller Lite with good friends and never passed up the chance to tell a good story. And in a life spent looking after others, he was selfless to the core; he took care of everyone around him long before he ever thought of himself. Having finished his course in faith, he has surely heard the words he lived to be worthy of: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

A football player in his younger days and a die-hard Florida State Seminoles fan, Neal also gave his time to the next generation as a youth football and baseball coach for the Gulf Breeze Sports Association, where he coached his own son alongside countless other boys. He cared deeply about kids, and the lessons he taught on those fields (about effort, character, and showing up for your team) stayed with the many young men whose lives he touched long after the final whistle. Two words captured how he coached and how he lived: “never quit.”

Above all else, Neal loved his family. The center of his world was his children, Jaimee and Chad, so much so that he wore a ring engraved with both of their names, carrying them with him wherever he went. His greatest pride was watching them build lives of their own, and he spent his days showing up for the people he loved with quiet dedication, wisdom, and compassion. His guidance, steady encouragement, sense of humor, and unconditional love will continue to shape those who knew him for generations to come.

Neal was preceded in death by his father, Andrew O’Neal Colley; his mother, Sarah Idell Colley.

He is survived by his son, Chad Andrew Colley, his daughter, Jaimee Colley Gage; his sister, Elaine Colley Roy; his niece, Dana Marie Roy; his nephew, Daniel O’Neal Roy; and many extended family members, friends, and colleagues whose lives were made better by knowing him.

Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing that his legacy of faith, family, friendship, hard work, and a life well lived will continue in the hearts of everyone who knew him. If we could have him for just one more time, one more story, one more day on the water, one more afternoon in his company, we would take it in a heartbeat. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul.” — Psalm 23

Service Details

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Neal’s life on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church.

Visitation: 9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m.

A graveside service will immediately follow at Rose Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery in Gulf Breeze, where he will be laid to rest. Reception details will be announced separately.

Pallbearers

The family is honored to have the following individuals serve as pallbearers: Justin Johnson, Lee Hargrove, Darrell Gage, Josh Hurd, Gundy Roberts, and Stelios Petersen.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the many caregivers, hospice staff, friends, and family members who supported Neal throughout his final journey. Your kindness and compassion will never be forgotten.