Dear Mary and family,
I remember Neil so fondly.  He was fun and interesting to chat with.  He gave Dale and I very sound financial advise that has helped us to this day.  I am so sorry for your loss. 
Keeping you in my thoughts.
With love,
Jean Hulse-Hayman

I remember Neil Mall as his loving wife Mary taught me for several years at school...the warmth and kindness will never be forgotten...my prayers and condolences to Mary mall and her family!

Just to let you know that I returned home safely.  The first 600 miles was rain, road spray windshield wipers, and severe storms.  I went thru 3 major storm fronts between Silver Spring and Frederick where cars pulled off the road because we were driving blind.  One other Just before I arrived in Clarksburg, WV were I spent the night.   Went thru one more Sunday morning in WV.  

I have Sirius radio and played the 60's music most of the morning.  As I was listening I started paying more attention to the drums.  Then I envisioned Neil as I heard those drums play.  He really loved music.  All of you know that he really enjoyed Bluegrass, but I had the privilege to see and hear Neil play those drums in his early years.  He had a magical connection to those drums.

Picture Neil having one drumstick in his right hand curled between his fingers and his hand with the back of his hand on top as he played.  His right foot was on the pedal that moved the base drum beater striking the drum(yes his right foot).  A symbol was attached to the top of the base drum.  In his left hand, he held the drum stick like some do a pool stick between finger and thumb.  That left hand of his could really move hitting the drum, symbol, and often on top of the other drum stick held in his right hand to get that wood on wood sound we so often hear in music.  His left foot was his beat foot.  He kept the beat with it and frequently lifted it up to emphasize the rhythm.  And then his whole body would move back and forth with the music.  He could really move that left hand and beat those drums.  He had magic with those drums.

When you watch a band play most of us would notice one member that drew our attention.  With Neil's band, there was never a doubt whom that was.  All eyes would watch him with amazement as he stroke those drums.  He was a showman. 
So do yourself a favor.  Sit back in an easy chair for a half hour or so and listen to some 60's music.  Concentrate on the drums and vision a young Neil playing the sounds you here.  Yes he was that good.  You can't help but put a smile on your face.  Or you could play songs on You Tube and picture Neil where they show the drummer.

Samples to listen to:
I fought the law and the law won (Bobby Fuller 4  1966)
Walk like a man (the Four Seasons  1963)  (this would have been a walk in the park for Neil to play)  (Yes he could that drum roll)
Soul man (Sam and Dave  1966)
I couldn't sleep at all last night (Bobby Lewis 1961)
And just so many others.
 
HE REALLY LOVED MUSIC

Our sincere and deepest condolences to the Mall family on the loss of your loved one. Please know those we love remain with us for love itself lives on, and cherished memories never fade because a loved one's gone. Those we love can never be more than a thought apart, for as long as there is memory, they'll live on in the heart. May the God of comfort sustain you during your grieving process.

Akabe B Smith

My prayers are with the family

May God's loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very sad time Psalms 29:11

OBITUARY

Neil Martin Mall

2 July, 1941 – 15 July, 2017

Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home

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