Neely O. Bingham, Jr. 90, of Taylor, was carried by the wings of angels to his heavenly home after he lost a hard-fought battle against cancer Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022. He was born No. 10, 1931.
Neel was born Nov. 10, 1931, in Monahans, to parents, Neely O. Bingham, Sr. and Gracie Alice (Gorham) Bingham. He attended Monahans High School. Not long after finishing school he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he was stationed in Hawaii and proudly served his country for four years.
He then began his lifelong career as a firefighter. He selflessly served the community of El Paso and the state of New Mexico for 48 years before retiring.
Neel married Carol Jean Denson June 20, 2015. Though they married late in life, they shared a wonderful and loving relationship. On their first Valentine’s Day together, rather than gifting her with chocolates, he instead wrote a song for her. This was one of many expressions of love shared throughout their time together.
He was a man of many talents and interests having learned how to pilot a plane, appeared in a film called ‘Song to Song,’ and was a great dancer, but his true passion was music. Neel was a talented musician that excelled at playing the guitar. He regularly enjoyed open mic night and was known as the “Chet Atkins of Williamson County.” He also played guitar for his church, that he loved very much, for 12 years.
Neel was so very caring and compassionate. He truly spent his whole life helping others and will be greatly missed by those that knew him.
He was preceded in death his parents, Neely O. Bingham, Sr. and Gracie Alice Bingham.
Neel’s memory is survived by his loving wife, Carol Jean Bingham; sons, Buster Clements of California, and Lee Bingham and wife, Jetina, of Taylor; daughter, Debbie Finley and husband, Ed, of Katy; grandsons, Neal Bingham and wife, Melody, of Taylor, and Cody Wendt; great-grandson, Titus Bingham; great-granddaughter, Pearl Bingham; halfbrother, David Conklin and wife, Donna; step-daughter, Cynde Engelke and husband, Eric, of Thrall; step-great-granddaughter, Kenzie Engelke of Thrall; and numerous beloved cousins.
Cremation services will be provided by Providence Funeral Home.
