George W. Bill Neel 91 of Newberry died Monday May 11 2015 at Newberry County Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be held on Saturday May 16 2015 at 11:00 AM at Cannon Creek ARP Church by Rev Brett Blackman. Interment with masonic and military rites will follow in the church cemetery. Born on April 9 1924 in Newberry County he was a son of the late John Calvin J.C. Neel Sr. and Gladys Bedenbaugh Neel. Mr. Neel was a 41 year US Military veteran serving in both the Navy and the Army. At the age of 17 he was shipped overseas where he served in Europe Africa and the Pacific. He received the American Campaign Medal Europe-Africa-Middle East Campaign Medal with four Battle Stars Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two Battle Stars and the World War II Victory Medal. After WWII he served in the Army National Guard and was called to active duty during the Vietnam War. Mr. Neel retired from the US Army in 1973 as a 1st Lieutenant. He was a member of Cannon Creek ARP Church a lifetime member of Amity Lodge #87 a member of the Scottish Rites the York Rites and the Hejaz Shrine Temple. To his family he was a simple but extraordinary man who touched a lot of lives and enjoyed helping others. He was also a man who took great pride in his home and its surroundings. He is survived by his wife of 61 years Margaret Long Neel; children Russell Neel (Rene) and Beverly Neel all of Newberry Alan Neel of Kinards and Laurie N. Renwick of Newberry; grandchildren Kevin Renwick Christine R. Shull (Brian) Ryan Neel Ross Neel Cody Neel Austin Neel and Jacob Neel; great-granddaughter Lauren Shull; and sister Colleen N. Swett of Gainesville Ga. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by a brother John C. Neel Jr.; mother-in-law Cleo E. Long Wise; and a granddaughter Wendi Elizabeth Senn. The family expresses their sincere thanks for the loving care and support given to them and Mr. Neel in particular to the 3rd floor Staff at Newberry County Memorial Hospital; Dr. Oscar Lovelace Dr. Dixon Dr. Heichberger; a special caregiver and friend Betty Pellitier; Medical Services of America (Nica Dowd); and Tina and Mike with Gentiva Home Health. Memorials are suggested to Cannon Creek ARP Church 14417 C.R. Koon Hwy Newberry SC 29108; Shriners Hospital 950 West Faris Rd Greenville SC 29605; or Amity Masonic Lodge # 87 1304 Caldwell St. Newberry SC 29108. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.whitakerfuneralhome.com. Whitaker Funeral Home of Newberry is assisting the family.