Arthur “Art” Nelson Neil, age 84, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 7th, 2026, at his home in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He was born July 21, 1942, in Warren, Michigan, the son of William Elmer and Mary Madeline (Williams) Neil.
Art graduated from Alcona High School in Harrisville, MI, in 1960. After graduating he was recruited into the U.S. Army where he served just under 2 years during the Vietnam War. Upon returning from service, he continued to serve his country by joining the Army Reserves and National Guard at various times throughout the years, contributing to nearly 3 decades of service to his country.
In addition to his service, he was very mechanically inclined and worked as a mechanic for most of his life. He worked for his uncle in the early years and later owned Neil Pure Oil Service in Kettering, Ohio, before returning to Michigan and working at the Army Reserve in Battle Creek, Michigan. He later moved to Ann Arbor where he worked in Detroit as an Automotive Inspector for the US Government. Even after retiring full-time, he enjoyed part-time work as a parts delivery driver and driving test vehicles for various automotive manufacturers.
He was also a member of various organizations during the years, including the VFW, Eagles Club, and Lions Club.
Art married Hilda “Gale” Ware on October 14th, 1966, in Greeneville, TN, and celebrated nearly 60 years of marriage together. They had 2 sons they raised in Ohio and Michigan.
He enjoyed spending time “up north” in Barton City where he grew up as well as taking countless trips to Tennessee and South Carolina to spend time with family and friends. He enjoyed hunting, especially in the latter years with his circle of hunting buddies (Tony, Mark, Rocky and James) and was quick to make friends and share stories, especially if it involved cars or at least fixing them.
He is survived by his wife, Gale; sons, Scott of Bellevue, Michigan, and Chris (Tonya) of Wake Forest, North Carolina; sister, Naomi Shepherd; and half-brother, Billy Joe Trantham. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Frank Neil, and half-brother Connie Trantham.
A funeral service is being planned at this time. Please check back for service information. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church in Chelsea, Michigan, or the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).
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