Major Philip "Phil" Brian Neeley

Major Philip “Phil” Brian Neeley, 76, US Air Force (Retired) passed away on Thursday, December 12, 2024, in Edinburg, Texas. 

Phil was born on December 29, 1947, in Kansas City, Missouri, the third child of Robert Frost Neeley and Dorothy Jane Nordberg Neeley. One of ten siblings, Phil had many playmates and loved games. In ping-pong, he dominated his brother, John, and even stole an occasional victory from brother, Steve (the all-time champ). At bridge, his skill was nearly as legendary as his mother and brother, Robert. Brother, Chris, was his foil for cribbage. Phil’s sharp mind was on full display at chess. He became a Class B chess champion, and for a time held a Class A ranking of 1831. But the game he loved most was a spectator sport — baseball, and in his later years he loved settling down in front of the TV to watch his favorite team, the Washington Nationals. Phil had a great passion for education and higher learning. He was awarded a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Pan American University in 1972, and went on to get a master’s degree in Teleprocessing Science from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1983. An advocate of higher education, Phil did everything possible to ensure that his children would pursue and gain college degrees. Phil was an avid reader (and listener), with a library of several hundred titles on Audible, the online audiobook and podcast service. In his younger days (before technology), he frequented the Edinburg Library (now the Dustin Michael Sekula Memorial Library). Phil also had a great love of music. For years, he sang as part of the choir at First Lutheran Church in Edinburg. In Nebraska, he sang as part of a barbershop quartet. He even taught himself how to play the piano with some skill, but lots of enthusiasm. Phil served his country for over 20 years as a proud member of the US Air Force. He achieved the rank of Major before his retirement in the fall of 1993. Phil’s father also served in the USAF. The service took Phil to many locations including Taiwan, Okinawa, Vietnam, and the Philippines. He also had many stateside duty assignments throughout the US, with his final station and retirement at Offutt AFB, Nebraska. Following retirement, Phil began a new career as a teacher, educating and inspiring young minds over the course of 15 years. He taught math at PSJA High School until his retirement in 2007. Phil married Cynthia “Cindy” Louise Steussy on September 30, 1978, in Edinburg, Texas. The two became lifelong companions and friends. They were blessed with four boys: Matthew, Michael, Robert, and Christopher. Phil had a daughter, Melissa Ann, from a previous marriage. 

He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Stephen Neeley and Daniel Neeley; a sister, Martha Neeley; and a nephew, Charley Neeley.

Phil is survived by his wife of 46 years, Cynthia Louise Neeley; five children, Melissa Ann Neeley, Matthew Howard Neeley, Michael Brian Neeley, Robert Kenneth Neeley, and Christopher Mark Neeley; four grandchildren, Isabella Marie McEvoy, Jessica Mia McEvoy, Luke Donovan Neeley, Ava Elizabeth Neeley; six siblings, Robert Michael Neeley, Christopher David Neeley, John Gregory Neeley, Leslie Anne Neeley, Arthur Elliott Neeley, Mary Melissa Frasquieri; 32 nieces and nephews. 

Phil will always be remembered for his vast knowledge of many subjects and his incredible skill at storytelling. He was a generous provider for his family and will be deeply missed. 

Visitation will begin at 5 p.m. with a 6 p.m. Memorial service Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Memorial Funeral Home, 208 E. Canton in Edinburg. 

In lieu of flowers, we encourage you to donate to the Texas Democratic Party or Doctors Without Borders.

Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg.