Emmett Allen Neel

Emmett Allen Neel, 88, of Huntsville and formerly of Blountsville, passed away at his home July 19, 2025. Allen, as he was known, was born on Nov. 19, 1936, in Blount County. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emmett C. Neel and Ruth Alldredge Neel. He was also preceded in death by his five siblings, Robert Lee Neel, Jacob D. Neel, Mary Neel Trammell, Evelyn Neel Redd, and Dollie June Neel Lucas. 

Allen graduated from J.B. Pennington High School in Blountsville in 1954 and from Wallace State Community College in 1968 with a degree in Technical Drafting. Allen had a 40-year career in the apparel manufacturing industry with Simon and Mogilner, Birmingham, as a Plant Engineer and K.D. Industries, Blountsville, as Plant Manager. Following his retirement from K.D. Industries, he enjoyed pursuing many hobbies such as gardening, volunteer work, traveling, and taking enrichment courses at the local community college. He completed his CDL license to assist in transporting the local high school basketball teams and that led to a retirement job as a bus driver for the Blount County School system for 10 years.     

Allen believed in a commitment to service and was active in many civic organizations in Blountsville and the greater Blount County area.  He was a member of the Blountsville Lions Club for more than 60 years and was recognized as the Alabama State Lion of the Year 2014-2015. He was active in the J.B. Pennington High School Alumni Association for many years and in 2010 was presented the John Burton Pennington Award as an outstanding alumnus for his numerous contributions to J.B. Pennington High School. Allen was a member of the Blount-Oneonta Chamber of Commerce where he served a term as president. He was selected as the Blount-Oneonta Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Citizen of the Year in 2019. He was an active member of the Blount County Master Gardeners and was a Certified Master Gardener. Allen enjoyed being a member of the Blountsville Historical Society and was active in many of their projects. He was instrumental in the organization of the Blountsville Swim Team in 1978. 

Allen’s commitment to service extended to his church. Allen was an active member of Blountsville Baptist Church for more than 65 years and served as a Deacon, Sunday School director, and was a member of the church choir. He and his wife, Frankie, spent many hours planting and tending to flower beds around the church.  

Allen is survived by his wife of 67 years, Frankie Mardis Neel; his son, Lesley Allen Neel (Mitchie); daughter, Lisa Neel Morris (Joe); and his grandson, Joseph Allen Morris. He is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces, great nephews, and great nieces.   

Visitation was from 5-7 p.m.. Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at Laughlin Service Funeral Home, Huntsville, and is from 12:30-2 p.m. today, Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at Blountsville Baptist Church.  The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. today, Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at Blountsville Baptist Church with Rev. Randall Edmondson officiating.  Burial will follow at Blountsville City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Blount County Education Foundation, P.O. Box 603, Oneonta, AL 35121 or the Blountsville Lions Club, P.O. Box 432, Blountsville, AL 35031.