Billy W. Neel

Billy Wallis Neel, age 85, died peacefully after a long and brave battle with Alzheimer's on Saturday May 17, 2014 at his home in Monticello, Ark. surrounded by family. He was born the last of 3 sons on March 3, 1929 in Hope, Ark. to the late Mattie Mae Brown and John Elbert "Little Buddy" Neel. He was preceded in death by his brother, Herbert Neel and sister-in-law, Hugh Dell Neel. His family moved to Arkadelphia when he was young and owned and operated "Neel's" grocery store. He graduated from Arkadelphia High School and entered the Army where he obtained the title of Colonel and served for 30 years. While stationed in San Angelo, Texas, he met and married the "love of his life", Marge Beck on December 12, 1948. They soon welcomed a daughter, Sharon Ann on September 24, 1949. The family then moved back to Arkansas and he graduated from Henderson State University in 1953 with a BA in Education and then again in 1967 with a BS in Chemistry. He was employed by Reynold's Metals Company for over 40 years as the Chief Chemist. He was also very involved in Church, politics, his community and environmental issues. He was a member& Deacon of First Baptist Church of Arkadelphia for more than 50 years where he taught Sunday School for more than 30 years, many of those years in the "Special Friends" class. He loved the Lord and sharing the gospel with as many people as he could. When his health declined and they moved to Monticello, he was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church. He was on the City Counsel from 1963-1965 and served as Mayor of Arkadelphia from 1966-1974. He was instrumental in helping to break ground on the Group Living Facility in Arkadelphia and served as Group Living President from 1975-1979. He was also a member/President of the Civitan Club. He was appointed by Gov. Bill Clinton to the Arkansas Environmental Federation Board and the Arkansas Federation Water/Air Users Board where he served as President in 1990. He always put family and friends ahead of himself and was constantly thinking ahead and planning on their behalf. His kindness and sweet gentle spirit left its mark on those who knew him. He had the most kind blue eyes, a big smile and a hearty hand-shake. He never met a stranger and he and Marge became "Mom & Dad", "Nana and Papaw" or "Aunt Marge & Uncle Bill" to pretty much anyone who came through their doors. He is survived by his wife of almost 66 years, Marge Beck Neel, his daughter, Sharon Neel Ouellette (Ken) all of Monticello; two grandchildren, Michelle Copeland Hammons, of Monticello, Patrick Copeland, of Sherwood; one great-granddaughter, Jordan Hammons of Monticello; his brother, Garl Neel of Hot Springs, his sister-in-law, Jessie Mae Neel of Hot Springs and several nieces, cousins and extended family. Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 20, 2014 from 5-7 p.m. at Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home. Services will be held at First Baptist Church of Arkadelphia on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Group Living of Arkadelphia or to the Alzheimer's Association. Sign the online registry at www.ruggleswilcox.com.