Obituary of William Miles Neely

Smethport - William Miles Neely, Sr., 96, of Smethport, died Monday (May 9, 2011) in the Lakeview Senior Care & Living Center, Smethport. Bill was born Feb 5, 1915 in Aiken, PA, where he spent all but his last few years. He was born when one could mail a letter 1 cents and a postcard for 1 cent. His first wife, Nana (Elizabeth Rogers Neely) died in 1965 after 27 years of marriage. They had two children, William (Bonnie) Miles Neely, Jr. of Jefferson, OH and L. (Cynthia) Mason Neely of Hopewell, NJ. Bill married Martha in 1966 and for the past 45 years she has kept Bill alive with love, care, and wisdom. In 2005, they both moved to the Lakeview Senior Care and Living Center in Smethport, where Martha continues to show care and love to the residents. During these hard years one could see her love poured out on Bill (Proverbs 18:22). Bill was from a large family with eleven brothers and sisters. Two younger sisters still live in the area, Marilyn Miller of Aiken and Donna Payne of Rixford. His two sons and daughters in law blessed him with seven grandchildren. They have enlarged his heritage with thirteen great grandchildren (Psalm 127:3-5). Bill saw the oil field boom and worked on drilling rigs, ran pump houses and owned and ran a timber business. He ended his work career with Penn DOT as a foreman. He recalled many cold nights while working through heavy snowstorms. He worked hard, was loyal to his family and loved his wife(s) and children. Through 96 years many things changed but in I John 3:1 the bible records, "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us that we may be called the children of God". The love from Bill was received by in many ways by those who knew him. But the love of The Father is the key to life for He knows us. This is a truth that will not change, even by death. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 10-11 A.M. at Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., 2 Bank St., Smethport, PA, where funeral services will be held at 11 A.M., in the funeral home, with the Rev. Max Simms, pastor of the Hilltop Baptist Church, Gifford, officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Smethport. Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Hilltop Baptist Church, Gifford. Online condolences can be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.