Owen Ray Neel formerly of Amarillo Texas passed away on December 12 2009. He had been a resident of Abilene for six years Ray was born to Owen and Ludie (Vick) Neel on March 15 1920 in Quail Texas. His family moved to Hereford Texas where he married Violet June Botsford his wife of over 64 years. After the war they returned to Hereford for approximately six years. Ray worked as a machinist for many years at Pantex Corporation and retired from Amarillo Gear Inc. of Amarillo in 1992. Ray was known as a meticulous craftsman who always gave his best efforts and expected nothing in return. A veteran of WWII he was an Aircraft Electrician serving in the Army Air Corps. He served as an instructor in the Aircraft Maintenance School at Seymour Johnson Field North Carolina as well as at Chanute Field Illinois and at Truax Field Madison Wisconsin. Mr. Neel was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Wesley Clyde Neel. Survivors include his wife June Neel of Abilene; one daughter Lilith Mehaffey and husband Bob of Abilene; a brother Wayne Neel and his wife Ruth of Albuquerque NM; two grandsons Scott Smith of Lubbock and Joel Smith of San Angelo; and three great-grandchildren. Ray and June were members of New Hope Church in Abilene. Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday at North's Memorial Chapel with Pastor Charles Farina of New Hope Church officiating. Burial to follow in the Texas State Veterans Cemetery under the direction of North's Funeral Home 242 Orange St. The family requests in lieu of flowers contributions be made to Hendrick Hospice Care 1900 Pine St. Abilene Texas 79601 Online condolences should be sent to www.northsfuneralhome.com