Buck W. McNeil

Our loving father and “Papaw,” Buck W. McNeil, age 97, went to see Jesus at 4:14AM on 1-14-14, with his beloved wife Betty Jo McNeil and son Wayne at his side in their home in Lubbock, Texas. He was born in Sevier County, Arkansas near Lockesburg, Sept. 21, 1916 to Benjamin Alexander McNeil and Arthusia “Susie” Dillard McNeil. Since his father died saving Buck’s life at age 5 in a horse accident, he understood well from an early age what giving one’s life for another person really meant. This made it easy for Buck to understand the price that Jesus paid when he also gave His life for Buck on the cross, and Buck followed Jesus diligently from an early age. His life was spent telling others about this great gift. After his father’s death the family moved to Petersburg, Texas where he grew up on a farm. He graduated Texas Tech in 1939, and on the last day of Tech, he met the love of his life, Betty Jo Watson, whom he married in Washington D.C. in 1941. During WWII he was in the FBI and graduated from George Washington University School of Law. He practiced law in Lubbock, Texas 1946-1960 and was Sr. VP and Trust Officer of First National Bank 1960-1979. He retired and traveled with Betty Jo for many years until declining health kept them at home. He truly devoted himself to his wife and to telling others about the love of Jesus. He influenced many young people teaching Sunday School to college students and young married couples. He modeled what he taught them with the tender love he showed his wife. He had the sweetest nature and a very sympathetic heart. You didn’t forget Buck after meeting him! No health aide left his home without having been asked if they had a personal relationship with Christ and a home in heaven. He spent his last years very involved with the grandchildren Grace age 13, Angel 11, and Carolyn Faith 6, who lived on the same block. He gave them all a heart necklace the night before he passed. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Carolyn, and 8 brothers and sisters. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Betty Jo, children Kenneth Edward, Dan Harry, Buck Wayne McNeil MD, and Betty Diane Dittrich, grand and great grandchildren. Services will be at First Baptist Church, Lubbock, Saturday, Jan 18, 2014 at 1PM. Family visitation at Sanders Funeral Home is 6 – 7:30 PM Friday Jan 17. The family thanks the medical and home helpers and especially Dr Shannon Rivas MD. We also want to thank Buck for the wonderful example he lived out.

Buck W. McNeil

September 21, 1916 - January 14, 2014