Neel, Roger Rowland

Roger Rowland Neel, 94, passed away on December 4, 2022. He was born in Huntington WV to the late John and Harriet Neel. He was married to his beloved wife, the late Sally Ellen Nixon Neel, for 66 years.

He is survived by a daughter, Patricia Neel-Wilson and her husband Gregory Wilson and stepdaughter, Chandler Wilson of Columbus, Ohio, a son, Roger Rowland Neel, Jr and children, Roger Rowland Neel, III, and Campbell Jo Lynn Neel, all of Roanoke, Virginia
He is survived by one brother, John Neel in Tampa Florida.

He was predeceased by three brothers, Reverend Dr. Donald Neel, Lynchburg, VA, Owen Neel, Louisville, KY and Robert Neel, Barboursville, WVA.

Mr. Neel was educated at Virginia Tech where he graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, played football, Basketball and was a Pi Tau Sigma Fraternity and Monogram Club member. After graduation from Virginia Tech, he served the Air Force as jet fighter pilot during the Korean War; stationed throughout the U.S., Alaska, and Japan. He retired from Hercules, Inc, where he served as a Divisional Engineer and Program Manager with an Assignment in Iran.

Mr. Neel dearly loved his wife and family. He was a “Golden” Hokie who rarely missed a Virginia Tech football or basketball game.
After retirement, he enjoyed “perfecting” his golf game at Sea Pines County Club, Hilton Head, SC where he met interesting people and made new friends.

Those who knew Roger well, will always remember the twinkle in his blue eyes and his inviting, sometimes mischievous grin.

The family requests donation in memory of Mr. Neel to the Virginia Tech Foundation in lieu of flowers.

Visitation hours will be held at Horne Funeral Home on Sunday December 18, 2022, between 2pm-4pm. A service will follow visitation at 4pm. Private graveside service will be held on Monday, December 19 at 2pm.