Robert "Bobby" Neil

Robert "Bobby" Hamilton Neil, 78, of McDowell passed away Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at Augusta Health.

He was born in McDowell on July 26, 1941, a son of the late Robert Edward and Geneva Frances (Simmons) Neil.

Bobby was raised, baptized and held membership in McDowell Presbyterian Church, and in recent years enjoyed attending services at McDowell United Methodist Church.  A seasoned truck driver with 65 years’ experience and owner of Neil’s Trucking, Bobby will be remembered as prominent figure within the trucking industry and a legend to many.  He began his trucking career at the age of 15 driving for his father’s sawmill and soon thereafter purchased his own trucks and began his own company.  He was very passionate about his chosen industry and took great pride in helping not only his children, but many others begin their trucking careers.  Throughout the years he won countless awards at truck shows and on Sept. 23, 2017 was presented the golden achievement award by the American Truck Historical Society.  Bobby was a charter member of the McDowell Volunteer Fire Department, enjoyed time spent cutting firewood and shared his love of the outdoors teaching his children and grandchildren to hunt.  He was known locally for his trademark western shirts, boots, belt buckles and was never seen without a hat.  Above all, Bobby Neil was a loving father, grandfather and pillar within his community, and will be remembered as a man that “cut his own path in life”.

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by a son, Wade Hamilton Neil, on February 5, 1971; his first wife and mother of his children, Gearldine Mae Neil; special step-grandchildren, Dustin Lee Parrish and Kaitlyn Yancey; as well as his beloved dog and best friend, Charlie.

Bobby is survived by his long-time companion, who he considered his wife,, Margaret “Maggie” Parrish of McDowell; two sons and daughters-in-law, Terry L. and Kristine Neil of Vancouver, WA and Ricky E. and Denise Neil of Sugar Grove, WV; brother, Joseph T. Neil and wife, Ginny of McDowell; sister, Shirley Whitelaw of Winchester; four grandchildren, Rachel Neil of Vancouver WA, Jason Neil of Osaka, Japan, Mallory Bowers and husband, Justin of Franklin, WV and Chad Neil of Martinsburg, WV; great-granddaughter, Bristol Bowers; step-children, Ernest Parrish and wife, Pam of Waynesboro and Peggy Jarrell of McDowell; step-grandchildren, Travis Parrish, Dakota Yancey and Taegan Yancey all of Waynesboro, Ashleigh Jarrell of Charlottesville as well as Kyle Yancey of McDowell.

A funeral service will be held 2 p.m., Sunday, August 18, 2019 at Obaugh Funeral Home with the Revs. Dave Boger and Walt Westbrook officiating.  Committal will follow in New Salem (Shumate) Cemetery.

The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Saturday, August 17 at the funeral home.

Active pallbearers include Craig Smith, Justin Scott Bowers, Justin Neil, Scott Neil, Chad Neil and Charlie Hoover.

Honorary pallbearers will be friends and neighbors in attendance.

Memorial contributions be made to McDowell Volunteer Fire Department, c/o Delbert Rexrode, 527 Windrush Lane, Doe Hill, Va. 24433 or New Salem Cemetery, 4178 Bullpasture River Rd., McDowell, VA 24458

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.obaughfuneralhome.com.