Burl Wayne Mcneeley

Burl McNeely, age 82, of San Francisco, California, formerly of Abilene, passed away Saturday, March 27, 2011, in San Francisco. A memorial service was held on Sunday, April 3, 2011 at Glide Memorial Methodist Church in San Francisco. Graveside services will be held in Abilene on April 30, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. in Elmwood Memorial Park under the direction of Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home with Reverend Roy Keith officiating.

Burl was born June 14, 1928 in Lamesa, Texas to Tom and Ruby McNeely. Burl graduated from Spareburg High School and McMurry University. After serving in the Army, he returned to Abilene and worked many years for Sears. Later, he moved to San Francisco where he continued to work for Sears.

Burl was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Ruby McNeely; his brother, Don McNeely; his sister-in-law, Jane McNeely; his nephew, Larry McNeely; and his great-niece, Meredith Machin.

Burl was a member of Glide Memorial Methodist Church. He was very involved in the choir at Glide. The choir at Glide took Burl to places that he never dreamed of - Singing on the Jay Leno show, a role in the movie "Pursuit of Happyness", and a trip to Shanghai in June 2010 for the World Expo. Through his total involvement at Glide, he met city and state dignitaries, Hollywood celebrities, a U.S. President, and the homeless. Burl only saw human beings, all of them God's children regardless of race, religion, or personal beliefs. His involvement in sports (SMU and San Francisco 49ers were his favorite teams) films, music, people and traveling made him a fun person to be around. Burl enjoyed taking care of his indoor plants and at one time he had 99 plants in his apartment.

Burl is survived by his adopted son, Ton Merino; his godson, Saroeun Khan; his sister, Eleanor Patton; his brother, Melton McNeely; his sister-in-law, Jacque McNeely; and many nieces, nephews; great-nieces and nephews; and a host of special family and friends. Burl will be missed by many family and friends.

Memorials may be made to Southwest Drive United Methodist Church at 3025 Southwest Drive, Abilene, Texas 79605 or to your favorite charity.