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Billy Neighbors
Billy Neighbors
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Billy Neighbors Obituary
Jerry Carriger of Laughlin Service Funeral Home says Neighbors died Monday afternoon at Huntsville Hospital. A cause of death was not immediately known.
Neighbors, who was born in Tuscaloosa, was an All-American in 1961 for the Crimson Tide, playing both offense and defense. He anchored a defense that allowed a total of 25 points and posted six shutouts in 11 games that season.
"Billy meant so much to Alabama football over the decades," Alabama Athletic Director Mal Moore, who was a teammate of Neighbors, said in a statement. "He was one of our first great players under Coach Bryant, and he had become a tremendous friend to me and everyone in the Alabama family."
He went on to an eight-year professional career with the Boston Patriots and Miami Dolphins. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003.
"Billy was easy to like. It was always easy to talk with Billy," Moore said. "We spoke three or four times a week for as far back as I can remember. I have lost a great friend and Alabama certainly lost a legend. It's just a tremendous loss."
Both of his sons, Wes and Keith, played for the Crimson Tide.
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
45 Entries
September 18, 2013
We all had so much fun at Grandfather and Grandmother 's home , . I .have some wonderful memories of all of My Daddy's family and of the good times we had as children . Susan I liked you the first time I met you .You were so nice and are now a gracious lady. I hope that you and your family are all well .I just wanted to light this candle in Billy's memory and to say I am so sorry for you having to lose Billy .
Debbie Anders
August 19, 2012
I've always thought of Billy as my hero. He saved me from a man trying to attack me in 1982 or so. I hope the last thirty years were good to him. I know he rests with the angels.
C.S
May 7, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Johnnie Gory
May 5, 2012
I worked with Billy in the securities industry in the 60's and 70's , also baby sat Wes, Claire and Keith. May Susan and all of the Neighbors family find comfort in knowing how much Billy meant to the Bama Nation and everybody else who knew him.
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May 5, 2012
My Condolences To The Neighbors Family,
May the God of all comfort be with you through this difficult time, rely on God for strength.(Ps. 46:1)
Ted & Cathy Davis
May 5, 2012
Billy Neighbors family, I was truly saddened by the passing of such an icon of Alabama football, and such a likeable,forthright man. I am the brother of Shelby Nelson, and thus kept somewhat informed about Billy and your family. He will be much missed; your family has great memories to treasure. Our prayers and love are with Susan and the Neighbors family.
M Milord
May 4, 2012
May the God of comfort be with the family and friends during this time of distress.
Lynn & Doug Whisenant
May 4, 2012
May God comfort you and keep you close.
May 4, 2012
Many prayers to the family in this time of grief.
Ronald Farmer
May 4, 2012
My condolences to the Neighbors family.I met Billy at The Huntsville Quarterback Club years ago.He was a very nice and respected man.He'll be missed dearly by all Alabama Tide friends and those who were fortunate to have met him in their life.
Lea Darwin
May 3, 2012
We were so sorry to hear about the passing of Billy Neighbors. We did not know him personally but know that he was our cousins father-in-law. Any time we loose someone in the family it is so very sad. Our prayers go out to the whole family.
Genevieve Hamner
May 3, 2012
Although I did not know Billy personally, his son is married to my niece, Phyllis. I send my sympathies to the whole family in their time of grief.
Harry Simpson
May 3, 2012
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Patrick Lee
May 3, 2012
As a TIDE fan it is always difficult to see part of that BAMA chain broken. He departed this life while we were #1. He will always be #1 in TIDE NATION. "Weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning." Psalm 30:5b
"ROLL TIDE ROLL."
Errol Bonner
May 3, 2012
I did not know Billy Neighbors personally, but I attended the University at the same time that he did, and I avidly followed his exploits on the football field as we all did at the time. He was a great player, and will be missed.
Steve
May 3, 2012
My condolences to the Neighbors family. I didn't know Billy personally, but as a young boy and Patriots fan I will never forget him taking the time to autograph a football for me and talking to me almost every day when I attended training camp. He was a gentleman and made a lasting impression on a young boy. God bless you Billy.
CAROLYN BAMBARGER-BOLTON
May 3, 2012
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
May 3, 2012
SUSAN WILLA AND CHILDREN,I SEND MY DEEPEST LOVE AND PRAY THAT THE WONDERFUL MEMORIES WILL AT SOMETIME SOON OVERCOME THE ABRUPT LOSS OF YOUR LOVED ONE. MAY THE PEACE OF CHRIST FIND YOU VERY SOON. GOING BACK MANY,MANY YEARS,JOHNNY FREY AT THE LAKE
Rod Tate
May 3, 2012
I had his football card with the Patriots, R.I.P.
May 3, 2012
Please accept our deepest condolences. May the GOD of all comfort give your family the needed comfort to endure this time of grief. Atlanta,GA.
May 3, 2012
Please accept our deepest condolences. May the GOD of all comfort give your family the needed comfort to endure this time of grief. Atlanta,GA.
May 3, 2012
May the memories of your love one comfort you as you find comfort and strength for our Heavenly Father.
Pam Buck
May 3, 2012
Dear Susan,
Carl and I are in Italy and just heard the sad news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Pam and Carl Buck
Jeff Zarch
May 2, 2012
May GOD bless and comfort the Neighbors family. Knew Billy in Miami
Judge Eddie Sapir
May 2, 2012
Rest in peace Billy.I will never forget going to your high school games with Sid. You went on to be great in college and life. I will miss you on game day next season in T-Town. god bless you and your family. Tell Sid hi in heaven.
Nan T. McLeod
May 2, 2012
Susan and family- what wonderful memories our family has of Billy, Sid and their family. My Daddy, Ivan Taylor, loved that "boy". Best memory for me-Billy, Tommy Brooker, and Lee Roy Jordan helped "chaperone" my 16th birthday party. How lucky was I!! Proud to have known him and say he was from my hometown. Nan Taylor McLeod
Wanna Johnson
May 2, 2012
The Crimson Tide is a little less "crimson" today. We've all lost a wonderful football player and human being. Mr. Neighbors will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with family and friends.
Derrick Gragg
May 2, 2012
Keith, my condolences to you and your family. Your father was the epitome of what college athletics is all about: EXCELLENCE. His legacy will never be forgotten.
Derrick Gragg
Former Lee High School/Vanderbilt rival
Huntsville/Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee (2010)
May 2, 2012
Dear Neigbors Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May the God of comfort be with you during this time of sorrow.
Barbara M
Tom Stuhlsatz
May 2, 2012
The indelible mark Billy Neighbors made on my life is simply my good fortune. From a business standpoint, Billy afforded me the opportunity to build a long career, for which I owe him a debt of gratitude. He was someone I could always rely on. From a personal standpoint, he was simply bigger than life itself. Several fond memories, all which make me smile and shake my head. TOUGH exterior, kind soul, that was Billy Neighbors. The stronger the tone, more colorful the dialect, the better the conversation. Billy's accomplishments on the football field are a reflection of the quality of the Man. They didn't break the mold when they made Billy, there was no mold. I'll greatly miss him. God bless Susan, Wes, Keith, Claire and their families. Our sincere condolences, Tom Suhlsatz and family
Virginia Taylor
May 2, 2012
Dear Neighbors family,
I am so sorry to hear of Billy's passing. My father,Ivan Taylor (died in a plane crash in Oct.of 1964, was a super good friend of Neighbors boys. He was originally from Ralph, Alabama and owned a Standard Oil Station in Tuscaloosa Downtown across from The First Baptist Church. Daddy was an honorary menber of the Quarterback Club and loved football and baseball. He was married to my Mother, "Freddie", and I have an older sister Nan and brother Ivan Jr. I have a copy of a picture of Billy, Daddy, Tommy Brooker and my Uncle Jimmy Nelson at Pensacola Beach in 1961(?) I believe. I would be glad to email you, and you can find me at Gate 16 at all Alabama home games. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers .Billy was a wonderful person, and loved by all that knew him.
ROLL TIDE ALWAYS BILLY!
Much love,
Virginia Taylor
(wasn't given the email option ..??)
[email protected]
Ben Conner
May 2, 2012
Wes,
Just wanted you to know that I was thinking about you and your family.Your Dad was an " original! " I thought the world of him ! Ben Conner and family
lester channell
May 2, 2012
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Virginia Taylor
May 2, 2012
Dear Neighbors family,
I am so sorry to hear of Billy's passing. My father,Ivan Taylor (died in a plane crash in Oct.of 1964, was a super good friend of Neighbors boys. He was originally from Ralph, Alabama and owned a Standard Oil Station in Tuscaloosa Downtown across from The First Baptist Church. Daddy was an honorary menber of the Quarterback Club and loved football and baseball. He was married to my Mother, "Freddie", and I have an older sister Nan and brother Ivan Jr. I have a copy of a picture of Billy, Daddy, Tommy Brooker and my Uncle Jimmy Nelson at Pensacola Beach in 1961(?) I believe. I would be glad to email you, and you can find me at Gate 16 at all Alabama home games. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers .Billy was a wonderful person, and loved by all that knew him.
ROLL TIDE ALWAYS BILLY!
Much love,
Virginia Taylor
Chris Mosley
May 2, 2012
Roll tide roll! you were one of our best! The crimson never fades rest in peace billy
Gene Boyd
May 2, 2012
My Classmate '59, '60 & '61 and all around good guy. He will be greatly missed by the Bama Family. A great two-way player. One of Coach Bryant's favorites. RIP, Billy
PJN
May 2, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
May 1, 2012
Susan, our hearts go out to you and your family. Andrea & Endre Zongor
Gene Adams
May 1, 2012
My prayers are for the family. Billy and I date back to 1953 at Tuscaloosa County High. Billy has always been a gentleman. We played football at County High. God's blessings for all the family.
Gene Adams (Florence, Al)
May 1, 2012
So sad to hear the news, a friend will be missed.
Pete and June Needham
Lynn Curry
May 1, 2012
Joe and Lynn Curry, Madison, AL, Roll Tide Billy, Roll Tide.
Donna Blake
May 1, 2012
You will be missed by everyone
Erin MacMillan
May 1, 2012
I watched you in the Olympics in 2011 and was really looking forward to watching you again this year in the Olympics in 2012. You will be deeply missed and deeply loved.
mike key
May 1, 2012
so sad to read this
Shelby Irwin
May 1, 2012
Shelby and Debbie Irwin
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