Neill later moved to Odessa, where he worked in the oil field and eventually owned and operated his own oilfield business. He was a proud and passionate fan of Mojo football and could always be found loudly cheering on his team.
Neill was a strong, pragmatic man whose steady presence held his family together. He attended every performance, every game, and every competition his children took part in, making sure they always knew he was there and cheering them on. As he grew older, that same dedication extended to his grandchildren. He loved spending time with them and could often be found at their meets, competitions, and performances, always offering the same loud, heartfelt support that defined him as a father and grandfather. His strength, loyalty, and love were the foundation of his family. He is preceded in death by his parents; his former wife Judy Howard, with whom he shared many meaningful years before lovingly laying her to rest; and his later wife, Noylene (“Noy”) Howard, whom he also laid to rest with great care and devotion.
He is survived by his children: Bill and Joni Howard of Lubbock; Amy and Clint Vanlandingham of Ellsinore, Missouri; Alison and Donnie Cagle of Lubbock; Kimberly and Richard Tannery of Kyle; and Stacey and Donny Pipes of Houston.
He is also survived by his many loving grandchildren: Brittany and Mark Valenzuela, Chad and Victoria Howard, Gavin and Wynter Vanlandingham, Tyler and Sydney Vanlandingham, Steven Simmons, Chance Vanlandingham, Gage Vanlandingham, Kambree Vanlandingham, Donnie Cagle, Reese Cagle, Maddie Tannery, Abby Tannery, Kinzi Pipes, and Tate Pipes; as well as his eleven great-grandchildren. He is also remembered by many wonderful relatives and great friends he cherished throughout the years.
Neill’s legacy of strength, devotion, and unwavering support lives on in the family he cherished. He will be truly missed.
Funeral services for Neill will be held at 1 PM on Monday December 15, 2025 at Johnson's Funeral Home with private interment to follow.
