William Kirk Neal II

1933 - 2017

William Kirk Neal II

Franktown, -William Kirk Neal II of Franktown, VA, died on March 10th at the age of 83. He was born on April 20, 1933 in West Point, VA, to Phyllis Hughes Neal and William Guy Neal. He was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth (Libba) Tankard Neal with whom he shared a wonderful home and family for over fifty years. "Big Bill" is survived by his children, William "Bill" Neal III and his wife Laura of Franktown, VA, Elizabeth "Betsy" Neal McCray and husband Arthur of Richmond, VA and Susan Neal Price and husband Jeff of Franktown. He is survived by four grandchildren, Charlie and Stephen McCray, and Benjamin and Elizabeth Price. Bill is also survived by his sister, Camilla Neal Williamson and husband Tommy of Richmond. Bill loved his family and their many seasonal traditions and homecomings. He opened his heart, loving Laura, Arthur and Jeff as his own and he took great delight in his relationships with all of his nieces and nephews. A graduate of the College of William & Mary, Bill also received an MSc and PhD from Rutgers University. Bill and Libba made life-long friends everywhere they lived: Princeton, NJ, Newport News, VA, Richmond, VA and, finally, the Eastern Shore of Virginia. While in Richmond, Bill was a research scientist at Phillip Morris, an active member of First Presbyterian Church and enjoyed singing with CAFUR under the direction of Jim Erb. Ultimately, his career choice as a nurseryman brought the family back to Libba's hometown on the Eastern Shore of Virginia in 1979. Upon the retirement of his father-in-law, Samuel D. Tankard, Jr., Bill became partner at Tankard Nurseries at the age of 47. He was a compassionate employer and mentor who made a positive difference in the lives of many who worked for him. In 1994, he started Hermitage Farms Nurseries with his son, "Little Bill" and Stuart Burnley, from which he never fully retired. He was a member of Franktown Methodist Church for over 40 years, faithfully participating in its ministries through his presence, gifts and service. There is not one aspect of this church, from interior buildings to grounds, which Bill has not touched. Bill was instrumental in the rebirth of Camp Occohannock on the Bay and, with Libba, fanned the fires of the early Emmaus movement. He was passionate about preserving the beauty of the Shore and he was a founding member of CBES. He actively supported the William and Mary alumni Choir, where he also served on the Swem Library Board of Directors. His many hobbies included bird hunting, sailing, pontooning, golfing, landscape design, wood working, auto restoration, architecture, and ice cream fabrication. Stature aside, he was larger than life. Big Bill was the original most interesting man in the world. A depression era child who lived by "necessity is the mother of invention," there was nothing he could not do or repair. Bill was the original recycler, seeing the potential in every piece of wood, metal or old printer. He was the "go to" guy for anyone with any project, giving generously of his time and talent. Bill was the eternal student, always reading with a perpetual quest for knowledge, and, although he never mastered time, we later realized that he had invented his own clock and we, his children, never adjusted. There will be a memorial service held at Franktown United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 25th at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Franktown United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 130, Franktown, VA 23354; Citizens for a Better Eastern Shore, P.O. Box 882, Eastville, VA 23347; OOTB, 9403 Camp Lane, Belle Haven, VA 23306

Family and friends may sign the guest book at www.hollandfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements were made by the Holland Funeral Home at Nassawadox, Virginia.