Updated Obituary for William “Bill” Elijah McNeely
William “Bill” Elijah McNeely, 87, Draper, met his Savior Jesus Christ on January 22, 2021. Bill was the son of the late James S. McNeely and India McNeely. He was preceded in death by two wonderful wives, Kathleen McNeely and Marie McNeely; two brothers Dan and Wayne McNeely; and five children infant twin daughters, William Jackie McNeely, Jimmie Lee McNeely and his infant twin Ray McNeely. He is survived by sister, Julia (Randy) Frazier, bother, Holman (Francis) McNeely, son, Sammy McNeely and Step Children David (Lora) Quesenberry and Dale (Joann) Quesenberry. Bill also leaves five Step Grandchildren Emily (Wayne) Wright, Nolan and Logan Quesenberry, Shelby and Chase Quesenberry and Step Grand Daughter, Willow Jean Wright. Bill leaves numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends to cherish his memory.
Bill proudly served in the U.S. Army. He was an outstanding mechanic and worked with Luttrell and then Hudson Chevrolet, before being tapped as the auto mechanics teacher at Pulaski County High School, where he taught from 1974 until his retirement in 1995. He was a passionate teacher who cared deeply for his students. Bill held bachelor and master degrees from Virginia Tech. He was active member of Glenwood United Methodist Church for many years.
A funeral service was held Monday January 25, 2021 at 1:00 PM at the Riverview Church of God with Rev Eddie Dalton officiating, interment followed in the Webb/Martin Cemetery in Carroll County. In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who prefer may make memorial donations to the Glenwood United Methodist Church or to the charity of their choice in memory of William. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.highlandfuneralservice.com. The Reese Funeral Home in Austinville VA is serving the McNeely family.
January 27, 2021 @ 1:28 pm
Bill was a fine christian man indeed. Bills special craftsmanship and keen understanding in automotive mechanical repair, was an outstanding trait he possessed. It was my praise for Bill when he was called to go to Pulaski County High School as the automotive mechanics teacher. One of Bill’s strongest asset was his endeavor to learn without hesitation the new requirements for vehicle mechanics on a yearly basis, and keep his students well informed. RIP my good friend.
Robert A. “Bob” Hudson, Jr.
February 7, 2021 @ 6:01 am
Mr. Bill as he was known by all of his students was truly a fine man. He had a wonderful personality and an excellent memory. I would often go by to see him at the high school after work. Thanks to Mr. Bill, I got a job as a mechanic with the Pulaski County School Board Bus Garage, which I began immediately after graduating from PCHS in June of 1978. I soon became a valued employee. It was very fortunate that he became my son’s neighbor upon Mr. Bill’s second marriage. They hit it off very well. My son enjoyed hearing stories about me (Mr. Bill didn’t forget anything). He was genuinely a fine Christian man, and an icon.
February 27, 2021 @ 2:12 pm
To the Family,
Bill McNeely was a good man and will be missed by all that new him.
Mr Bill was also a great teacher, with the patience of Jobe, to corral the group of kids he had when I was one of his students in ’79-’80… Mr. Bill was, I believe, the reason I went into the mechanical field, that served me well during my career path. I often talked to him at Barren Springs about the path he set me out on and thanked him for his interest in my journey. Mr. Bill was a good Christian man and cared more about his students than most of them will ever realize…. Goodbye old friend.
James Whitt
retired
Norfolk Southern Supervisor