Rayfield Mixon Neel

Even though I know you may never see this, I want to add a message because Ray Neel saved my life when I was a teenager He was there when life was confusing and distraught, listening and listening and listening some more...Vicki was so much a part of his rescue by allowing him to be there for a lost teenager. There is no way to thank them both Except I went on to play in bands, teach trumpet (and listen) to other young people who were finding their way, through music and bonding with...

Dear Mrs. Neel and family,
I remember Mr. Neel as one of the finest teachers I ever had. I was in his bands at Smith and South and learned a lot about music and discipline from him. I've tried to live by his caveat to "give yourself enough time to have a flat tire and still be 20 minutes early," and I've used it with my children and my employees. Mrs. Neel, I remember you sitting in the stands at Memorial Stadium with one or more small children...back in the late 60s. He was one of a...

Dearest Vicki, I was so saddened to learn of Ray's death. Your love for each other was a shining light for all. Each of you are in my thoughts and prayers. Jan Hargett

To the Neel family:

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I will always remember Mr. Neel as one of the finest teachers that I ever had and it was a pleasure being a member of his orchestra and stage band at South Mecklenburg. He taught us about discipline, hard work, and the value of practicing. It paid off during our performances and competitions. I will always look back on those times and smile, especially when we played his rendition of "Rudolph, the...

Dear Vicki,
I was so sad to hear of Ray's passing. He was such a wonderful person and teacher, and will be missed by many. You were my 3rd grade "practice" teacher in Ms. McKowen's class at Montclaire; at the same time, Ray was my sister, Beth's teacher for 7th grade band at Smith Jr. High. You and Ray met soon afterward and were married! I remember feeling very special because my family and I knew you both, before and after joining forces. I was proud to follow in my sister's...

Thank you to all that made entries to the guest book. I've printed them out for Mom and Casey to see; I'm sure that they'll be touched. It was neat to see some names that I recognize:
Terry Coley, who introduced my Mom and Dad.
Mike Sheltra, who was one of Dad's drum majors during some great years.
John Miano, who Mom pointed out in some pictures we were looking at the other day.
My cousins, Kathleen Mayo and Bill Mixon.
And Jill Opdyke; it made me smile to...

I was very sad to hear of Mr. Neel's passing. He was one of the best band/orchestra directors I had. He was such an encouragement to me as I decided to pursue music in college - he tried to talk me out of it! I remember all the hours on the practice field learning self-discipline and teamwork - we were a band because of him. My prayers go out to you during this difficult time.

My sincere condolences to the entire Neel family for the passing of this wonderful man. I always held Ray in the highest regard with the memories he helped give us in 1978 when we won every band award in sight. From the cold of Mullins to the Carousel Parade, it was a magical season that left us all with the fondest of memories. In his own way, Ray was the the most supportive and understanding teacher I had at South Meck. Thank you Ray for the most wonderful memories.

Vicki and Family, I had the good fortune to teach with Ray. I last saw him when I was in Chalotte over a year ago. At that time he told me of his illness and we both hoped he would defeat it. I am very sad to learn of his death. My prayers are with you. Teachers such as Ray are very rare.