Billy Joe Neil, beloved father, son, brother, uncle, and friend passed away unexpectedly on October 04, 2024 from injuries sustained during an accidental fall. Born on September 8, 1947 in Concord, TN, he attended Bearden High School in Knoxville, TN; and pursued a degree in Architectural Design from the University of Heidelberg in Heidelburg, Germany. Billy served our country in the Air Force for 4 years during the Vietnam War; entering the service in 1966 where he spent 2 years overseas while stationed at the US Air Force Base in Sembach, Germany. He was Honorably Discharged from the Air Force in 1970 after serving 4 yrs.
Billy was a very creative person and used his talents to form various businesses over the years. He had a very successful candle company, Smoky Mountain Candes, where he employed many disabled and hearing-impaired individuals in need of a job and career. Billy worked with companies such as Hanna-Barbera, DC Comics, and Marvel Comics to gain the rights to produce unique, one-of-a kind candles of cartoon characters such as Superman, The Hulk, and Scooby Doo. Later, he had a Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance Company in Knoxville, TN for many years, prior to moving to Franklin, TN in 2000. Thereafter, Billy was self-employed as a Subcontractor in Construction for various companies such as Home Depot and most notably Lowes Home Improvement where he won numerous awards for “Outstanding Quality and Craftsmanship” and “Outstanding Customer Service”. Billy Joe Neil was a member of Brentwood Baptist Church in Brentwood, TN.
Billy was known by his family and very close friends as “Bill”, but always greeted himself with an extended hand and effervescent greeting as “Billy Joe Neil”. Bill seemed to “never meet a stranger” and was always ready and willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Even in death, Bill helped many by donating various organs to those living in need of an organ transplant.
Bill is survived by his beloved son, Holden Spencer Neil, whom he adored beyond words; his brother, David C. Neil, Jr. (Dora); nephews, Chris Neil and Derek Neil; nieces, Heather Neil Young (Broderick) and Meredith Neil Gehrke (Mark), and Amy Providence Neil (David John “DJ” Neil); great-nephew, Hutton Young; great-nieces, Ann-Claire Young, Ella Neil, and Mclayne Neil; and the mother of his only child, former spouse, and friend, Sherry Renfroe Neil.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, David C. Neil, Sr. and Lida Neil; nephew, David John “DJ” Neil; and great-nephew, Luke Hudson Neil.
A Memorial Service will be held for Billy Joe Neil on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at Brentwood Baptist Church in the Baskin Chapel, 7777 Concord Road, Brentwood, TN 37027. The family will begin receiving friends at 12 pm until 12:45 pm, with the service to begin at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you please consider donating to the AUTISM SPEAKS organization.
