HR245: Celebrating the life of William Roger Mutt Neece.

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 245

Offered March 10, 2016
Celebrating the life of William Roger Mutt Neece.
Patron-- Pillion

WHEREAS, William Roger Mutt Neece of Clintwood, a champion short-track race car driver, retired coal mine foreman, and a devoted husband and friend, died on March 30, 2015; and

WHEREAS, Roger Neece, who graduated from Ervinton High School, was a coal miner for 34 years; he took up automobile racing when he was in his 30s, and with determination and support from his wife and a small group of friends, became a top competitor at venues in southwest Virginia; and

WHEREAS, despite being a relative latecomer to short-track racing, Roger Neece soon drew great respect from racing fans throughout the region for his talent, class, and courage; he won 204 races and 10 championships in an outstanding racing career; and

WHEREAS, Roger Neece relied on only two vehicles as he competed on short tracks; a black Camaro with the number 22 painted on it—affectionately referred to as “Blackie”—and a Nova; his wife, Nancy, and some friends helped him in the pits during races; and

WHEREAS, not one for a showy display of bravado, Roger Neece was admired for his humility and tenacity; after every victory, he simply thanked fans and supporters for coming to the race and gave credit to his competitors for a clean and fair contest; and

WHEREAS, Roger Neece competed at Lonesome Pine Raceway and Kingsport Speedway, and after returning from a race often worked on his vehicle into the night; despite the grueling pace, a love of short-track racing was all that mattered to Roger Neece, winning was secondary; and

WHEREAS, Roger Neece will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his wife, Nancy, and many other family members, friends, and race fans from throughout the region; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of William Roger Mutt Neece of Clintwood, a retired coal mine foreman who was an outstanding short-track automobile racer with 204 victories and 10 championships and who was a devoted husband and friend; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of William Roger Mutt Neece as an expression of the House of Delegates’ respect for his memory.