Thomas (Tom) Leo McGreal, 86, of Port Charlotte, Florida, and Whitehall, Michigan, passed away Sunday, August 16, 2026, in Muskegon, Michigan. He was born January 5, 1940, in Champaign, Illinois, the son of John and Merne (Compton) McGreal.

Tom graduated from Rantoul High School in 1958. A natural athlete, Tom excelled at sports and played both football and basketball competitively. His prowess on the basketball court earned him a varsity spot on the Southern Illinois University Salukis squad where he played for four years. Tom truly embodied the role of student-athlete. He was inducted into the Illinois High School Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame as a player and earned both bachelors and master’s degrees from Southern Illinois and a Doctor of Education from the University of Illinois.

Tom and Shirley Springer welcomed their daughter, Elizabeth, a few years after marrying in 1960. In 1980, he married Kathy Myers Schroeder, and the two shared many common interests, but none more defining than their love of golf. They spent untold hours on their home courses at Lincolnshire Fields Country Club, Riverwood Golf Club, and White Lake Golf Club, but also traveling the U.S. and abroad to experience some of the most famous links in the world. At home, Tom could often be found watching his favorite sports, rooting for the Fighting Illini or cheering on his favorite pro golfers. His lifelong love and support of Illini athletics led to his appointment to the University of Illinois Athletic Board, where he served with great pride for several years. When not watching his favorite sports, he was an avid movie buff, staying up until all hours to take in a good (or bad) movie. He was even known to weave movie lines into his lectures and presentations.

Although Tom often portrayed himself as an “athlete” his true gift was in academia. He specialized in higher education, working with masters and doctoral students. His area of expertise was administration and teacher evaluation, authoring several prominent papers and a book. He toured the world educating and inspiring faculty and principals to be better educators.

Tom was known for his patience and good humor. A bad golf shot or missed highway exit was met with a shrug and a grin or a gentle self-reproach. Although he spent many hours in the car commuting for work, he loved a long, slow weekend drive in the country to the chagrin of the kids in the backseat. He loved his family and was the source of unconditional support, reserving advice for the times when it truly mattered.

Tom is survived by his wife, Kathy McGreal; daughters, Elizabeth McGreal and Heidi Black; son, Rob Schroeder (Dana); grandchildren, Samantha Cook; Kathryn Black, Robert Black; Bianca Chiappone, Max Chiappone; and brother Jerry McGreal (Pam).

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Merne McGreal, and sister, Kathy Helms.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 3:00-5:00 p.m. on September 19, in the garden at Pekadill’s, 503 South Mears Avenue, Whitehall, MI 49461.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Thomas McGreal Academic Award through the University of Illinois Foundation, go.education.illinois.edu/mcgreal, or to your local humane society.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, White Lake Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com