William J Neville

William J. Neville passed peacefully, in his sleep on June 29, 2018. Neville was born on May 5, 1924 in South Fork, Pennsylvania; the first of Helen and Harry Neville's three sons. Neville graduated from South Fork High School, with perfect attendance grades K-12 and earned varsity letters in baseball, basketball and football; in which he was awarded the Silver Football as his team's best player and was selected to the All Region Football Team. Neville served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II. An Army Qualified Ranger attached to the 52nd Engineer Combat Battalion, he was awarded multiple citations for meritorious service in combat, including three Bronze Stars. Neville attended the University of Maryland intending to pursue a career as a football coach; and coached the 1949 Maryland state football champions. However, his job at the Rheem Manufacturing Company in Baltimore led Neville to a six-decade career in the steel drum business. He concluded his career as President and CEO of Republic Container, after serving on the senior management teams of Florida Steel Drum, Astro Container and Columbus Steel Drum. Neville was the adoring husband of his wife of 60 years, Georgia, and the best role-model his son, Bill (Susan), could have. The familiar sight of his distinctive Jeep Wrangler, so long a fixture at his granddaughters, Lauren and Kendall's, practices, games, meets and recitals will be missed. Neville was a Life Member of the Steel Shipping Container Institute, a Continuous Member of the American Legion, a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, a member of All Saints Episcopal Church and had been active in the National Association of Manufacturing Executives, Rotary International and the Service Corporation of Retired Executives. A memorial service will be held at 11AM on Saturday, July 7 at All Saints Episcopal Church, 5101 Johnstown Rd., New Albany. Inurnment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, Columbus. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, beginning at 10AM. To share memories and condolences, please visit www.schoedinger.com.