Dr. C. M. (Buddy) Neeley's Obituary
A Celebration of the Life of Dr. C. M. (Buddy) Neeley will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, at Rader Funeral Home Chapel, Longview, Texas.
Buddy died on Sept. 18, 2024, at the age of 82. He was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, March 7, 1942. Buddy completed his first 12 years of schooling in Pine Bluff as president and valedictorian of his senior class and student council president. He was selected captain of the basketball team and co-captain of the football team. Upon graduation, he received an unlimited academic scholarship to the University of Arkansas.
Buddy earned his BS degree in chemistry as the academic head of his group of chemistry students and was rewarded with selection to Phi Beta Kappa, national honor society for arts and sciences, and also to the national honor society for mathematics.
Buddy received his PhD in physical chemistry in 1969 and accepted a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Florida in Gainesville. He accepted a position with the Eastman Chemical Division of Eastman Kodak in 1970 and worked in Longview for 28 years before retiring.
During his tenure at Eastman, Buddy managed many groups in Research and Development, specializing in polymers. When he retired, he was Manager, Polyolefin Core Competency for Eastman Chemical Company.
In 1968, Buddy married Anita S. Rohrer while she was studying for her advanced degree in biochemistry. She was the love of his life for 56 years. They worked hard, traveled widely, and she gallantly helped through the hard times, such as death of parents, etc., with compassion and grace.
Buddy was also interested in community affairs. He was a founding member of the East Texas branch of the American Chemical Society, later serving as president for a time. He retired as an emeritus member of ACS. He was a board member of the Longview United Way for several years and was active in its campaigns. He also served as a board member and president for the East Texas Treatment Center and was involved in several other charitable activities.
Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, William P. and Burdette Y. Neeley; sister, Margaret S. Graves; and two brothers, Paul J. and John C. Neeley. He is survived by his wife, Anita; brother, James E. Neeley; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Longview First United Methodist Church or Hospice of East Texas.
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