Robert Belk Neill

Robert Belk Neill, 96, of Monroe, passed away Monday, January 23, 2012 at his home. Funeral services to celebrate his life will be conducted at 2:30 PM, Thursday, January 26, 2012 at First Presbyterian Church, officiated by Rev. Jason Haas. Interment will follow at Lakeland Memorial Park. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00 to 2:15 PM at the church. Mr. Neill was born March 30, 1915 in Selma, NC, a son to the late Rev. William Brown and Bessie Belk Neill. He was preceded in death by his wife, Cornelia Kitty Dillon Neill, two brothers, Charles G. Neill and William Brown Neill, Jr. Serving his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II as an Aviation Radio Technician First Class, he was honorably discharged in October, 1945. Mr. Neill retired as a financial planner and tax preparer from his home business, known as Tax Call. He formerly was a business partner with Griffin Chevrolet Company, Monroe, from 1960 to 1982 and prior to that was associated with Griffin Motor Company from 1948 to 1960. Mr. Neill served on the Monroe City Council for 12 years from 1958 to 1970 and the Union County Board of Elections for six years from 1991 to 1997, serving as Chairman during a portion of that time. As a member of First Presbyterian Church, Mr. Neill served on the Session. He also served as Church Treasurer, chairman of the Finance Committee, chairman of the Personnel Committee and was a member of the Men's Bible Class. Survivors include three children, Catherine Neill Holloway of Chesapeake, VA; Robert Belk Neill, Jr. of Shallotte, NC; and Martha Neill Gaddy and husband, John, of Norwood, NC; six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Mr. Neill is also survived by his special friend, Doris English. The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to his three loving caregivers, Doris English, Carol Harris and Sharon Helms. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 302 East Windsor Street, Monroe, NC 28112 or to Hospice of Union County, 700 W. Roosevelt Blvd., Monroe, NC 28110. Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory is caring for the Neill family. Published online on January 24, 2012 courtesy of Gordon Funeral Service, Inc. .