Obituary of Ernest C. Neil, II , 83

Ernest C. Neil, II, 83, passed away peacefully, Friday, June 20, 2014 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Ernie was born April 29, 1931 in Scottsville, Kentucky. He was the son of Ernest C. Neil Sr. and Carlen West Evans Neil. On December 30, 1953 he married his high school sweetheart, Emma Jean Simmons who survives at home.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters; Dana Evans Neil Arvin and her husband, Van Arvin of State College; Jane Lee Neil Orelli and her husband Joseph Orelli of Williamsport, PA; and Lori Jean Neil Keffer of Washington D. C.; five grandchildren, Tiffany Lee Fuller of Williamsport;, Cole Neil Arvin of Nashville, TN; Austin Neil Orelli ; Vincent Orelli and wife, Shelby; Camille Orelli Seeling and husband Daniel; and one great grandson, Nash Orelli; all of Williamsport. Also surviving are two sisters; Toni Neil Johnston and husband, Paul Johnston of Fort Worth, TX and Marian Neil Nash of Tulsa OK, Brother-in–law, Jimmy Simmons and wife Thelma of Murrells Inlet, SC, many nieces and nephews and many, many friends.

Ernie was preceded in death by his sister, Charlotte Neil Parrish, and Son-in-Law, Robert C Keffer.

Ernie is a 1949 graduate of Scottsville High School, Scottsville KY, where he excelled in sports, He attended on a full athletic scholarship and graduated from Lindsey Wilson College, in Columbia KY in 1951 and David Lipscom University in Nashville TN in 1953 with degrees in Kinesiology. Ernie was captain of the basketball and baseball teams. He did post graduate work at Western Kentucky University. Upon graduation, he entered the Army where he played basketball with a morale support team during the Korean Conflict for two years. After serving in the US army and teaching and coaching in Union Co, KY for one year, Ernie returned to his beloved home in Scottsville, where he taught high school history, biology and physical education. In addition he coached basketball, baseball, golf and tennis for nine years. In 1964 Ernie joined the FBI as a special agent. He was stationed in Omaha NE, Des Moines, IA, Philadelphia, PA, State College, PA, and Williamsport, PA and back to State College. He was an investigator on all federal cases in said jurisdictions and in 1985 he retired as Special Agent in Charge. Upon retirement, he joined MBNA (now Bank of America) where he was Vice President of Fraud Control. He developed and implemented the fraud policies and protocols. Ernie retired from MBNA in 2001 and continued to consult until 2007. With MBNA, Ernie and Emma were based in Newark, DE and State College, PA. Ernie and his family planted strong roots in Scottsville, KY, saw the country serving the FBI and he and Emma travelled the world with MBNA. Ernie was an active member of BPOE #1600 , American Legion Post #245, VFW, F &AM Lodge #208, Fraternal Order of Police Bald Eagle Lodge #51 and The Society of Former Agents FBI, Inc. Ernie was one of very few that was twice commissioned a Kentucky Colonel. He was a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church of Scottsville KY and a 47 year member of St Paul’s United Methodist Church of State College, Pa. He loved to sing hymns and was a strong man of faith. Ernie was admired by family, friends, classmates, teammates, students, players, fellow agents and coworkers. He was a leader and mentor. He was a man of high morals and took pride in sharing those values. When Ernie was asked, ”What was the greatest gift he gave to his daughters?”, he replied “I loved their Mother!”

The family suggests donations be made to the Children’s Development Center, memo: Autism Education, 625 W. Edwin St. Williamsport, PA 17701.

Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., Thursday, June 26, 2014 at the Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College, PA Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 27, 2014, at the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 250 East College Avenue, State College PA with the Rev. Eric Shaffer officiating.

Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College, PA. Online condolences and signing the guest book may be entered on www.kochfuneralhome.com