Charles David Neel, 89, of Goshen Road, Morgantown, passed away on January 14, 2019, at his home. He was born in Fairmont, on February 16, 1929, son of the late George Roy Neel and Ora Leone (Carpenter) Neel.
Actor, director, PhD, avid reader, gentleman farmer, animal lover, and Professor Emeritus at West Virginia University’s School of Theatre and Dance, Dr. Neel was responsible for launching the careers of professionals like, Chris Sarandon, academy award nominee with a celebrated acting career, and Morgantown own, David Selby, highly regarded for his villainous work on both daytime and nighttime soap classics “Dark Shadows” and “Falcon Crest.” Mr. Selby’s credits, like Mr. Sarandon’s, span decades and include film, stage, television, and radio. Dr. Neel also influenced and was instrumental in launching the careers of many other lesser known but equally talented actors such as, Marty Morris and Tony Hoty.
It is impossible to speculate the impact he has had on the lives and careers of hundreds of other wanna-be actors whom he taught and directed during his tenure at WVU.
We would be remis not to mention the influence he had on Jim Fagan, former WVU football player and professional voice-over and on-camera talent doing hundreds of national commercials. West Virginians will remember Mr. Fagan as a voice of the Mountaineers on the Mountain Sports Network and Metro News.
Dr. Neel spent his early years as an actor in Washington, D.C., as well as in New York City, before getting his PhD from the Ivy League Cornell University. After an early stint as a speech teacher at Bethany College in West Virginia, Dr. Neel spent the rest of his career years as Professor and Director of Musical Theatre at WVU.
Subsequent to his retirement Dr. Neel was an avid reader, devouring 120 to 140 books a year. He loved travel and did so extensively. His favorite travel location was Barcelona, Spain. He never met a dog he didn’t like.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Howard Neel; his sisters, Maoma Phyllis (Neel) Stewart and Evelyn Christine Neel; and infant brother, Donald Neel.
He is survived by his brothers, Franklin Neel and wife Shirley, of Fairmont, John Neel and wife Linda, of Grafton; and several nieces and nephews, including Grant Stewart, Jr., Sue (John) Snyder, Katherine (Gary) Casteel, and Beverly Bromhal.
Dr. Neel’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the caring staff of Amedisys Hospice, particularly his nurse, Clinical Manager Malissa Malick, and caregiver, Ginny Childers, both of whom became family and to whose love and compassion we are eternally grateful.
In keeping with his wishes, cremation services will be provided by Hastings Funeral Home Omega Crematory. At Dr. Neel’s request, there will be no visitation or services.
Condolences: hastingsfuneralhome.com
