Billy Niell (Bolivar)'s Obituary
Billy Joe "BJ." Neill of Bolivar, MO passed away on December 19, 2016 at the age of 87 in his home. BJ.
was born on December 2, 1929 to William and Lucy Mae (Thomas) Neill in Aldrich, MO.
BJ. was a 1947 graduate of Aldrich High School. Upon graduation he served in the Air Force,
worked at Springfield Union Stockyards, and drove for Dealers Transport Kansas City. From 1978 to 1995
he proudly worked and retired from Roadway where he was a steward for the Teamsters Union. BJ.
was a prominent cattleman around the Polk County area where he owned and operated a farm
southwest of Bolivar. He enjoyed spending time in the local coffee shops exchanging stories with friends
as well as working around the family farm with his son and grandson for all of his post-retirement years.
BJ. was an outspoken advocate of local farmers, and spent much of his time working and researching
agriculture related interests. He was united in marriage to Virginia (Stiles) Neill in May of 1997.
BJ. was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Thomas Neill, sister-in-law Nora Lee Neill,
and wife Juanita (McDowell) Neill.
BJ. is survived by his immediate family: wife, Virginia (Stiles) Neill of Bolivar, MO; son, Blane
Neill and wife Terry of Bolivar, MO; daughters: Gloria Neill of Independence, MO, and Brenda Sapp of
Springfield, MO; grandchildren: Jacob Neill of Bolivar, MO; Jesse Hadlock and Amanda Hadlock of
Springfield, MO; step-children: Rick Stiles and wife Karen of Dadeville, MO; Tammy Marlow and husband
Dale of Springfield, MO; Mark Stiles of Dadeville, MO, and Buddy Stiles of Dadeville, MO; ten step-
grandchildren, and twelve step-great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at Butler Funeral Home 10:30 AM Friday, December 23, 2016, with visitation being held from 10:00 AM - 10:30 prior to the service. Burial will follow services in the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Aldrich, MO.
What’s your fondest memory of Billy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Billy?
Share a story where Billy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Billy you’ll never forget.
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