Roll Call Tribute

Edward Thurman Neill 

October 9, 1937 - March 28, 2024 

Edward Thurman Neill of Burnet, Texas passed away peacefully into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father on Thursday, March 28, 2024.

Thurman was born October 9, 1937 in Port Lavaca, Texas to the late James C. and Rosa Bouquet Neill. He lived on Chocolate Bay, as he fondly talked about spending his childhood days fishing and boating in this Bay. He graduated Port Lavaca High School and attended his freshman year at Texas A&M University then transferred to Abilene Christian College where he played football and earned his Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Sciences. He was a successful farmer for over 20 years in Idalou, Texas. He never missed an opportunity to share his successful football career with his grandchildren and even strangers. He loved family, football, farming and fishing.

Thurman married his college sweetheart, Lora Ann Kerr on August 14, 1959 and had four beloved children. Later in life he met and married his best friend and love of his life, Betty Simmons on October 7, 1987. They blended two beautiful families together who brought them years of love and joy. Thurman and Betty retired to their dream home at Inks Lake. They loved to spend time together fishing at the Texas coast, attending grandchildren’s sporting events, watching Texas Tech sports on TV, gardening and attending church services and events.

Thurman was preceded in death by his son, David Derrick “Dirk” Neill; his parents, James C. and Rosa Ella Bouquet Neill; his brothers Louis Wayne Neill, James Neill; sisters, Bernice Matson, Ruth Williams and Roberta Grace Burton; and nephew, Steven Burton.

Thurman is survived by his wife, Betty Neill; his daughters, Nathalie Neill, Amy Neill, Paige Hance (Chris), Tammy Rockafellow (Mike), BeLinda Gould (Doug), Cara Langston (Dal), 16 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins and his extended church family.

We would especially like to thank Krystal Williams and the other nurses & aides at Altus Hospice for their compassion and love shown to all of us during Thurman’s journey home.

Family and friends will gather for a memorial service Saturday, April 27th, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Vanderveer Street Church of Christ, 102 Vanderveer, Burnet, Texas.

Arrangements entrusted to Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home Burnet, Texas.