Sam Neely

Sam Neely was born August 22, 1948 in Cuero, Texas to Gordon and Dixie Neely. He was called upon to be with His Lord July 19, 2006.At age 10, Sam received his first guitar and began teaching himself to play. His passion for music led him to become a national recording artist. His musical career spanned more than 30 years. Sam wrote and performed title songs for two major motion pictures. He has had 13 songs in Billboard Magazines Top 40 as a recording artist/song writer with record sales worldwide. He recorded for 4 major recording labels: Capital, A&M, Electra, and MCA Records. He appeared on numerous television shows including two appearances on American Bandstand, Midnight Special, Nashville Now, and several television specials. He sang the final song for the final episode of televisions M*A*S*H series.As accomplished as his career was, those who knew and loved him remember a generous man who was always willing to help others. Although it became increasingly difficult for him to play, he was always willing to pick up his guitar "one last time" to help out others in need., devoting much of his time to performing in fund-raisers. The Arthritis Foundation. The Special Olympics, Muscular Dystrophy, and various other charities.In the later years of his life, he was the man in the background of every gathering of family and friends, with his signature unlit cigar, he enjoyed your conversation as much as you enjoyed his. You were immediately drawn to Sam by his compassionate soul and quick sense of humor. He was a wonderful son, father, brother, uncle and friend and will be deeply missed by all.He was preceded in death by his parents and his nephew David Reynolds. He is survived by his son Jason Neely of Corpus Christi; daughter Kelsea Bland of Corpus Christi; two brothers and one sister-in-law, Jerry and Barbara Neely of Corpus Christi, and Rodney Neely of La Grange; one sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and George Davis of Temple; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.A celebration of his life will be held this weekend at Maxwell P. Dunne Funeral Home, 1222 Morgan Ave. Visitation will be held Saturday, July 22, 2006 from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.Visitation will resume on Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., July 23, 2006 at Maxwell P. Dunne Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 3350 S. Alameda St.In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Sams memory to The American Diabetes Foundation, P.O. Box 1131, Fairfax, VA 22038-1131.