Jack Neel

Jack F. Neel passed away with his family by his side, November 12, 2018.
He was born April 19, 1930 in Bluefield, W.Va to Arie Robey and James Neel.  Jack grew up in Pearisburg, Va. where he met the love of his life, Kathryn Hale.  Jack and Kathryn were married in 1950.

Jack graduated from Virginia Tech in 1952 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering and served as Commander of the Heighty -Tighties (the Corps of Cadets Regimental Band) during his senior year.  He then served in the U.S. Army from 1952 - 1954. Following his military service, he returned to Virginia Tech and obtained his M.S. in Sanitary Engineering in 1956. He was also a Professional  Engineer in North Carolina and Virginia.  He served as City Manager for a total of 30 years (2 plus years in Tazewell, Va., 8 plus years in Roxboro, NC, and 19 years in Albemarle, NC).  He served on Albemarle City Council for 26 years.

Jack is survived by his loving wife Kathryn Hale Neel, of 68 years; daughters Deborah Maya (Vic), Kathryn Neel (Mark Skelton), Joanne Hesley, Linda Maloney (Mike) and Elizabeth Neel (Chip Taylor).  Jack loved his grandchildren: Sky Maya, Sarah Maya, Will Skelton, Elizabeth Skelton, Daniel Coggins, Charlie Coggins, Melanie Huneycutt (Bradley), Andrew Maloney, Julie Rutledge (Ty), Kalyn Rush, Jack Rush, Lauren Rush, Claire Maloney, Carole Taylor and Hank Taylor.  He loved his 3 great-grandchildren Callie, Robbie and Meredith.  He will be missed by his beloved pets, Luke and Kitney.

Jack was a faithful member of Central United Methodist Church of Albemarle for over  50 years and enjoyed attending Sunday School.   He was a dedicated member of Lions Club International during his entire adult life.  As a Certified Engineer, he served in many capacities with the ICMA (International City Managers Association), and ElectriCities.  He greatly enjoyed sports, was an avid fan of the Atlanta Braves and the Albemarle Bulldogs, and enjoyed coaching basketball and softball.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 14, 2018, at 2:00 pm, located at Central United Methodist Church, 172 N. Second St. Albemarle.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Central United Methodist Church of Albemarle, or the Albemarle High School Boosters Club.  A visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, November 13, 2018, from 7:00 - 9:00 pm, located at Hartsell Funeral Home - Albemarle.
Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Neel family.