Robert James Neely

Robert James Neely, age 80, known to family and friends as R.J., Bob, Bobby, Daddy or Gramps, passed away Tuesday, Febuary 8, 2011 at his residence. He was born October 16, 1930 in Oak Grove, Texas to Joseph Hart Neely and Cecilia Pagach Neely. He graduated from Riviera High School and married his high school sweetheart on June 1, 1949. While in high school, his father became ill and he took on the responsibility of running the farm. He later worked at Cities Service Oil Company doing off shore drilling. In 1966 he purchased a “Gin Pole Rig” which led to the purchase of his first water well drilling rig. The first well he drilled was for neighbor Simona Naranjo and her nine children. This was the beginning of Neely Water Well Service. Bob was a member of the Lions Club, trustee and past president of Riviera School Board, Kleberg County Appraisal District member, Kingsville Auto Club, Tired Iron Club, Adult 4-H Leader, past director and president of Texas Ground Water Association and voted Contractor of the Year by the association. He was also instrumental in developing the local chapter of TGWA for South Texas. Bob retired in 1993 leaving his son Jim to run the business while he started collecting and restoring antique cars and tractors.

R.J. was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Joseph Hart Neely; and two sisters, Bernice Hazlett and Irene Benbow.

Bob “Gramps” is survived by his loving wife of of 61 years, Ruby Neely of Riviera; four children, Bobette (Keith) Naylor of Riviera, Bridget (Jack) Wickett of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, Jim (Lisa) Neely of Riviera, and Roberta Neely of McAlester, Oklahoma; sister, Opal O’Brien of Mathis, Texas; six grandchildren, Brooke (Aaron) Unterbrink of Edinburg, Texas, Jessica Naylor of Las Vegas, Nevada, Alex and Ashley Neely of Riviera, Brett (Susan) Wickett of Elizabeth City, South Carolina and Brian (Doris) Wickett of Topeka, Kansas; and five great-grandchildren, Jack Naylor Unterbrink and Guy Neely Unterbrink of Edinburg, Timothy Wickett of Topeka, Alan and Taskina Wickett of Elizabeth City.

Visitation will take place on Friday, February 11, 2011 at the Turcotte-Piper Mortuary Chapel, Kingsville, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 12, 2011 at the Riviera Cemetery with Leroy Goodson presiding.

Memorials may be made to Texas Ground Water Association Scholarship Fund, 221 East Ninth Street, #206, Austin, Texas 78701, the Riviera Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 326, Riviera, Texas 78379 or to a charity of one’s choice.

Services are entrusted to Turcotte-Piper Mortuary, 205 General Cavazos Blvd., Kingsville, Texas.