Lonard E Neel

Neel, Lonard Edward ("Shorty") of Jacksonville, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on April 1, 2013. Born on March 20, 1925, Evansville, Indiana, he graduated high school in 1943 and proudly served his country as a Staff Sergeant during World War II and was a waist gunner on a B24 (named "BarR") in the U.S. Army Air Force. Lonard worked 43 years in the air conditioning and refrigeration business for Carrier, York and Sauer. He was a member of his local union, including serving as president for five years. He was also a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He enjoyed his 30 years in the Cub Scouts, Boys Scouts and Explorers, achieving awards including the Order of Arrow, Vigil Member Order of Arrow and Wood badges. He also volunteered 21 years with the Duval County Road Patrol as a deputy sheriff. He dearly loved his personal and Christian families, serving his lord as Baptist deacon, treasurer and teacher. He enjoyed woodworking; reading American history; studying the Bible; annual family camping trips to North Georgia; and having a goal to camp in all 50 states.

He survived by his wife of 66 years, Arvie Lee ("Sally") Neel; children, Louria Neel; Thomas (Sandy) Neel; John (Kathleen) Neel; and Melissa (Sam,III) Folds; grandchildren, Mary Neel; Michael Neel; Katie Neel; Sam Folds,IV; Timothy Folds; sister, Elizabeth ("SIS") Ekiss; brother, Gene (Ginger) Neel; sister-in-law, Jo Neel and Lettie Neel; as well as many nieces and Nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Frances Neel, and brothers, Jimmy and Frankie Neel.