Neil Haney

Born on April 18, 1939, in Mineral Wells, Texas, to Carl and Maggie Belle Haney, Neil lived a life defined not by the things he accumulated but by the lives he touched. A devoted man of faith, he believed that life's greatest purpose was to love God, cherish family, and serve others with humility and compassion. His quiet strength, unwavering integrity, and generous spirit became a guide for anyone fortunate enough to know him.

Neil grew up in the small town of Santo, Texas, where he attended grade school before graduating from Mineral Wells High School with the Class of 1957. He then enrolled at what was then known as Abilene Christian College before deciding to join the United States Air Force.

During his military service, Neil was stationed in Germany and Pakistan. Holding a high-level security clearance, he served in the Air Force Security Service, deciphering Morse code communications from foreign entities. After receiving an honorable discharge in July 1965, Neil returned to Abilene Christian College to complete his undergraduate degree in Education. It was there that he met Marsha while the two were working on a radio commercial together. They were married on June 3, 1966.

After graduation, Neil began his career with the Texas Rehabilitation Commission in Wichita Falls, Texas before transferring to Austin, Texas. During this time, he also earned a master's degree in Rehabilitation Services and Counseling from Oklahoma State University.

In 1976, Neil and Marsha moved their family to Temple, Texas, where Neil began his career at Scott & White Hospital in the Executive Development Office in charge of planned giving and major gifts.. During his 33-year career, he advanced to become Executive Director of Development (1984-2002), a role perfectly suited to his gift for connecting with people. Neil saw the best in everyone. When you were talking with him, you felt like the most important person in the world.

His work took him across the United States, where he built lasting friendships while helping donors direct their generosity to projects that would improve the lives of others. One of his most significant accomplishments was establishing the partnership with Children's Miracle Network, bringing the organization to Temple and helping expand McLane Children's Hospital and pediatric medical services into what they are today. Neil also championed women in the field of philanthropy at a time when it was largely male dominated field. Neil also edited two publications, Scott & White Quarterly and Will Power: A Guide to Planned Giving. His leadership earned him numerous awards and opportunities to speak at the annual National Association of Healthcare Development (NAHD) Conference. Neil then transitioned to the Special Assistant to the President of Scott & White Healthcare from 2002 until 2009. In 2017 Neil was honored as a Fellow in the Caduceus Society for his work at Scott & White.

Even after retiring from Scott & White in 2017, Neil's commitment to serving others never slowed. He consulted with Austin Graduate School of Theology, volunteered and served on the board of the Ralph Wilson Youth Club, served on the Lifeline Chaplaincy board, and continued consulting with numerous organizations and young philanthropists to help strengthen their organizations.. He found great joy in sharing his knowledge.

Family was the center of Neil's world. As a loving husband to Marsha Hoppe Haney for 60 years, a devoted father to Angie Urrea (Daniel) and Pierce Haney (Delana), and a proud grandfather to Pierce, Shelby, Ashley, and Reid, he demonstrated every day that love is best expressed through presence, sacrifice, and steadfast support. Whether offering wise counsel, sharing laughter around the dinner table, or simply lending a helping hand, he made each member of his family feel deeply loved and valued. He rarely missed a game, school event, graduation, or any opportunity to cheer on his grandchildren. Neil enjoyed sharing his love of baseball with family and friends through attending Round Rock Express games and Texas Rangers games. As an avid golfer Neil passed on the love of the game to Pierce and then Ashley and Reid. Neil took great joy in watching the Masters with Ashley every year.

The greatest priority in Neil's life was his faith in Jesus Christ. Since 1976, he faithfully attended Western Hills Church of Christ, where he served as an elder for 25 years, taught Bible classes, volunteered with youth programs, and quietly ministered to countless people. His faithful example continues through his children and grandchildren. Neil had the special privilege of baptizing Shelby and Reid at his home congregation. He also greatly influenced Pierce Andrew's decision to serve in the United States Air Force and later attend Denver Seminary.

Neil's unwavering faith gives his family confidence that he has been reunited with those who preceded him in death: his parents, Carl and Maggie Belle Haney; his sister, Mae Brown; and his niece, Toni Gernsbacher. Neil surely heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant."

The family would like to express a special thank you to Rachel Eggleston and Randy Leavelle of Sunset Hospice. We would like to thank Heavenly Helpers, specifically Sofia Morales and LeKeisha “KK” Hall. We appreciate your loving care for Neil and Marsha during this time.

Those who knew Neil will remember his warm smile, gentle humor, steady wisdom, and gift for storytelling. He had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome, heard, and appreciated. His kindness was genuine, his character unwavering, and his legacy one of compassion, service, and unconditional love.

Neil is survived by his wife, Marsha Haney; his children, Angie Urrea (Daniel) and Pierce Haney (Delana); his grandchildren, Pierce Miller (Abby), Shelby Haney, Ashley Haney, Reid Haney, and Ashton Urrea; along with many extended family members, cherished friends, and all who were blessed by his life.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026, from 5-7 pm at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home, 3110 Airport Road, Temple, Texas.

A memorial service celebrating Neil's life will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Western Hills Church of Christ, 210 North General Bruce Drive, Temple, Texas. A private burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to McLane Children's Hospital or the charity of your choice.