SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 56 Offered February 21, 2007 Celebrating the life of William F. Neel. ---------- Patron-- Puckett ----------

WHEREAS, William F. Neel, a lifelong dairy farmer and resident of Shawver's Mill in Tazewell County, died on February 15, 2007; and

WHEREAS, a native of Shawver's Mill, William "W.F." Neel was born on February 14, 1923, the son of John Henry and Nannie Belle Gregory Neel; and

WHEREAS, W.F. Neel operated the oldest dairy farm in Tazewell County and was co-owner of Tazewell Farmer's Feed & Supply for 26 years; and

WHEREAS, W.F. Neel served as an elected member of the board of the Tazewell Soil & Water Conservation District for 35 years, 29 of those as chairman; and

WHEREAS, many people in the community knew W.F. Neel as the Pumpkin Man because he grew pumpkins on his farm and generously donated them to local civic clubs and individuals; and

WHEREAS, W.F. Neel will be fondly remembered as the local family and neighborhood historian, and he will be sorely missed by his wife of 59 years, Anna Lee Nell, their four children and eight grandchildren, and many other dear family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of William F. Neel; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of William F. Neel as an expression of the Senate's respect for his memory.