Samuel S. McNeely Jr.

MCNEELY Samuel S. McNeely, Jr. PHD died November 24, 2012 in Pensacola, Fl. Age 97. He was preceded in death by his parents, Copt. Sam and Edith Price McNeely, his brother, Simon, and his former wife, Pat Murphy, mother of his surviving children, Sam III and Patty Lou Gaudet, and three grandchildren. Also surviving by his loyal wife, Betty, sisters Bernice Manske and Deldon McNeely, PHD, brother, Capt. Richard (Margot) along with many nephews and nieces. Sam (Jesuit '31) was a brilliant scholar, author, poet, college professor, International Officer (Tulane) and linguist (Spanish, Italian, and Japanese). He earned his Dottore in letters with a year at the university of Rome in 1939, his PHD from L.S.U. Wartime Services were with the F.B.I., and U.S. Army 1942-46 as Interpreter. Spending four years in Japan after the war as Education Officer, Civil Affairs he was decorated with the Order of the Rising Sun by Emperor Hirohito. He was Past President of the Japan Society of N.O. He was Fullbright Exchange Professor in India 1965-66. Sam was an avid distance runner from his days on the Loyola track team, competing in 5-10k races into his 70's, running wherever he lived or was stationed. When the N.O.A.C. offered a plaque to its members who ran 100 miles on their track in a year, he accomplished that in 5 days. Native of New Orleans, he retired to Pensacola in 1994. Services were private.