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October 16, 1963 - April 1, 2020
Robert (Rob) Welch Neel Jr passed from this life on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Rob had accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized with the First Baptist Church of Hope. Rob was a Certified Welding Inspector and Educator by trade. He has worked for the past 35 years in the steel industry. Anyone that knew Rob knew that he had three passions in life; working, eating, and his wife of 30 years, Connie, and their children and grandchildren. He was a Senior Surveyor for DNV GL for the state of Louisiana. He loved working in Louisiana because of the options for seafood, steak, and anything Cajun. The greatest of these three passions was his love for his family and friends.
Rob had the biggest heart for people. He was well known for his generosity and compassion for anyone who maybe having a rough time in life. Many inspectors and welders across the country can tell you that Mr. Rob was good for two things; knowing his job and showing and giving everyone compassion. Many first time inspectors and welders gained insight and also was shown grace by an unequaled man.
His greatest contribution to life he would tell you was his Children and Grandchildren. Rob was seen before the birth of his first grandchild to be sporting the title “Pappy” on his hard hat. He loved all his grand boys making sure they had the tools necessary to get into mischief. Rob loved each of his children greatly and in a special way. He first welcomed Beth Neel Massy and Ryan Welch Neel in his early twenties. Later he gained a daughter in Tabitha Tittle Mason and a son Justin Robert Neel. He cherished the love of his life Connie Annette Henson Neel for the past 30 years. They shared many experiences and life moments. She has stood by his side and even going as far as being his assistant on a jobsite for a very short period of time. Rob loved his Mother Carolyn Neel and was known to call frequently for advice and encouragement.
Rob is preceded in death by his father Robert Welch Neel Sr. and both sets of grandparents. He is survived by his loving wife Connie Neel of Patterson, Louisiana his children; Tabitha Mason of Nashville, Beth Massey husband Bill; Ryan Neel of Bodcaw and Justin Neel wife Heather of Mount Ida, his Mother Carolyn Neel of Hope, his brother Shawn Neel wife Cyndi of Bryant, Step Mother Jeanice Neel and Step-Sister Karen King of Hope. Grandchildren: Bryce Kenzel, Ty Massey, Drake Mason, Jamie Neel, Corbin Mason, Blaine Neel, and Kaiden Neel.
A private family visitation will be at Brazzel-Oakcrest Funeral Home in Hope, Arkansas.
A graveside service will be held at Holly Grove Cemetery on CR 228 on Sunday, April 5th, 2020 at 2:00 pm. Rev. Jessie Henry will officiate the service. Arrangements are by BRAZZEL/Oakcrest The Funeral Home of Hope, Eddie BRAZZEL, Director. Online condolences: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com