Neil Pitt DeLong Jr.'s Obituary
Neil Pitt DeLong, Jr., born in Memphis, Tennessee on April 5, 1926 to the late Neil Pitt and Gladys DeLong, passed away Friday February 5, 2021 at the age of 94.
Neil grew up in Memphis and graduated from Whitehaven High School where he played football and was named “Most Valuable Player” his senior year. After graduation, he joined the Navy and served his country for two years. Neil earned two degrees from Memphis State University. He spent his working career of over 40 years as an engineer at Dover Elevators, where he was a well-respected colleague and friend.
Neil will be lovingly remembered for so many things, and the printed words here surely cannot do him justice. He was an honorable man, and those who knew him were touched by his kindness, humility and sincerity of character. He was a man that lived his faith. At Aldersgate United Methodist Church, his church home for 58 years, he was a dutiful servant who was always willing to help out any way he could. Among his many acts of service, at and through Aldersgate, he tutored students in math at a nearby neighborhood school, served as church usher, and was a frequent worker in the church kitchen where he could often be found cooking bacon or washing dishes. If the doors to the church were open Neil was likely there. He loved his church and his church loved him!!
Neil got great joy playing golf with his buddies at courses all over the Memphis area and played well into his nineties. For years, Friday nights were special for Neil when he and his wife would go out to eat with close friends before enjoying a fun night of cards or dominoes. He also enjoyed traveling, and in his well-deserved retirement, he took many memorable golf trips, church trips, and family vacations. He especially loved the Smoky Mountains where he and his family spent many happy days.
Family was so very important to Neil. Jean, his wife of 65 years, was his best friend and the love of his life. He always said from the very first night he met her, he knew she was the one! They were true partners and their marriage inspired all who knew them. As a dad he was the very BEST! Known as “Pop” to his grandchildren, he was extremely proud of his family and never failed to show his children and grandchildren how much he cared for and loved them. He provided them all with a profound example of how to live a meaningful and loving life. He will be deeply missed.
Neil is survived by his wife Jean DeLong; daughters, Carrie Kernodle (John) and Laurie Welch (Steve); grandchildren, Matt Kernodle, Lindsey Austin (Doug), Kelsey Lape (Kris), and Ricky Howell (Sam); two great-grandchildren, Katie Lape and Mason Howell; sister, Barbara Tippett; and brother, Don DeLong (Carolyn). In addition to his parents, Neil was predeceased by his sister, Anne Sherrick and his brother, Paul DeLong.
A private service will be held for the immediate family members. In lieu of flowers, Neil’s family respectfully requests that any memorials be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 4459 Willow Road, Memphis, TN 38117.
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