Neill Bayhylle

Thomas Neill Bayhylle passed from this life on Saturday, October 1, 2016, at Fort Smith, Arkansas at the age of 73 years old.

Neill was born September 10, 1943, at the Pawnee Indian Hospital. He was the son of Batiste Louis and Anita Lucille (Norman) Bayhylle. As a young child, Neill grew up in Cushing, Oklahoma where he began his education. He later graduated from Cushing High School with the Class of 1961. Following high school, Neill joined the United States Air Force Reserve. Neill furthered his education at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma. During his time at OSU, he was united in marriage to Sandra Guinn and to that union, there are two children Beau and Elliott. Neill graduated from OSU with a Bachelor of Business Degree in 1969. Neill was united in a second marriage to Judith Marie (Cole) on June 10, 1989, in Van Buren, Arkansas.

Neill and Judi started in the area giving motivational speeches. They soon found themselves traveling throughout Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, and Texas inspiring others. Neill has spoken at over 3000 schools and also served as the Director of Education for the Pawnee Nation. Neill was once chosen to be the keynote speaker at Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Fellowship of Christian Business Leaders Conference. In 2012, Neill was awarded by the AARP American Indian Elders Award presented at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City. He was awarded it for his proven leadership skills based on honesty, integrity and a positive approach to challenges. Neill has been particularly strong in his commitment to working with youth and teaching them values that would successfully carry them through life as productive citizens.

Neill loved to speak about character, integrity, respect, leadership and Jesus. He knew that the most important part of life was the “Golden Rule.” Knowing that if you have the understanding of what is right and have the respect of others everything will be taken care of. In November of 2015, Neill was honored with singing the National Anthem during the induction of the Pawnee Code Talkers into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame.

Survivors are his wife Judi of 27 years, two sons Beau Bayhylle and his wife Stephani of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Elliott Bayhylle of Tulsa, Oklahoma; step children Kimberly Arnoldi and her husband Andre of Van Buren, Arkansas, Tami Scott and her husband Steve of Rogers, Arkansas; one brother Maurice Bayhylle of Glenpool, Oklahoma; two sisters Waltina Bayhylle of Afton, Oklahoma, Cheryl Bayhylle of Stillwater, Oklahoma; seven grandchildren Sydney, Madison, Pierce, Saxon, Merrick, Aislinn, Evangeline. In addition to his parents, Neill was preceded in death by his three brothers Burt Bayhylle, Joe Bayhylle, Hawk Bayhylle, two sisters Beatrice Butler, Marvena Sexton, and granddaughter Tessa.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM, Thursday at the Pawnee Nation Roam Chief Building with Junior Pratt, Duane Pratt, Jeff Taylor, David Echohawk, Chris Hill, Pierce Scott and Zach Morris, will be speaking. Burial will immediately follow in the South Indian Cemetery. Friends may share a memory with the online at www.poteetfuneralhome.com.