Neal Ray Chambliss

Born August 13, 1953, in Gilmer, Texas to Jack and Estelle Chambliss, Neal enjoyed a childhood in Cason, Texas where he developed his strong love of the outdoors. He knew the woods and creeks around his childhood home by heart. He attended Daingerfield High School where he met his wife of 49 years, Gwen Gee. Neal and Gwen moved to Austin in the early 70’s where he attended the University of Texas and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration. Neal was a dedicated accountant for over 40 years. He began his career in Austin at Tracor, where he met wonderful mentors and lifelong friends. Neal ultimately retired from Texas Parks & Wildlife in early 2019 where he made more great friends and met fellow hunters and fishing enthusiasts from across the state.

Neal loved music. Neal and Gwen have a concert history that is quite impressive. He would often recount stories of numerous live shows, his favorites including Leon Russell, Talking Heads, ZZ Top and Stevie Wonder. Neal instilled his love of music to his daughters, Jessica and Jackie, and enjoyed attending concerts with them and sharing music he loved.

Neal’s priority was his family. He took the “job” of being a Dad very seriously. He taught his girls how to fish as soon as they could hold a pole and how to paddle a canoe to run trot lines on the San Marcos River. Of all his accomplishments, backpacking the rim of the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend 13 times was one of his proudest. He cried tears of joy watching his girls swim with dolphins in Cozumel and worked hard to be able to afford to show his family as much of the world as he could. The family trips, hikes, hunts, fires, star parties, and more will be treasured forever.

Neal spent many years on the soccer fields supporting his daughters. He was excellent at teaching skills and lessons far beyond winning a game. He was a constant presence throughout decades of youth sports and school functions. He was a Longhorn sports fan and enjoyed attending games with his family or cheering them on from the comfort of his living room.

Neal became a Granddad to Lily in 2014. He was delighted to have another little girl to blow bubbles with and accompany on trips, including her first trip to New Orleans and to the Island House on North Padre Island. He began the tradition of feeding the seagulls with Lily on the beach, which was a highlight for them both. His last of many gifts to her was a necklace and poem to remind her that “whenever her crown gets heavy” to remember whose Granddaughter she is. His devotion and love for his family was beyond measure and he was tough as nails through the end.

Neal is survived by his wife Gwen, daughters Jessica Shelton and Jackie Chambliss, son-in-law Clay Shelton and his pride and joy Lily Shelton, age 8. Neal is also survived by his sister Kay Scott, numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Neal’s family will be forever grateful to the amazing staff at St. David’s Inpatient Rehab, Dell Seton Medical Center and to the family and friends that helped through this hard time with love, prayer, and nonstop support.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Cook-Walden Funeral Home in Austin, Texas. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. It will most likely involve enchiladas.

In lieu of flowers, the family believes Neal would rather have donations made to HAAM, an organization dedicated to “keeping music in Austin alive and well”, or to the Big Bend Conservancy.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a simple celebration honoring the lives of Neal and Gwen Chambliss at the Texican Cafe in Manchaca any time from 1:00 - 4:00 PM on Saturday, October 14, 2023.