Charles Keith Neaville, Sr.

DES ARC — 87., of Des Arc passed away June 19, 2023, in Searcy. He was born October 30, 1935, in Griffithville, Ark., to Mamie Ruth (Powell) and Ralph Winfred Neaville. Mr. Neaville was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Dr. Harold Wayne Neaville and his beloved son, Scott King Neaville.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years Lynwood King Neaville; son Dr. Charles Keith Neaville, Jr. and wife Susan; grandson Charles Keith (Trace) Neaville III and his wife Sarah Beth; grandson Andrew Scott Neaville; and precious great-granddaughter Guinevere Elizabeth Neaville all of Searcy; sister-in-law Suzette Neaville of Hot Springs and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends he held dear to his heart.

Chick, as he was known by all, was a 1953 graduate of Griffithville High School. He graduated in 1957 from Arkansas State Teachers College (UCA) and earned his master’s degree in Guidance Counseling in 1969. He taught and coached basketball in Griffithville for nine years before starting a 30-year tenure career in education at Des Arc in 1966, retiring in 1996. While at Des Arc he coached football and basketball, taught history and served 26 years as High School Counselor. He was named Des Arc Citizen of the year in 1994 and was proud to have most of the ladies from his State final team from Griffithville attend. As coach of both girls and boys at Griffithville, his teams participated for the first time in school history at the State Tournament. In addition to sports, his study of history resulted in a lifetime love of traveling to historic locations. An Atlas, always on his chairside table, trips were planned (not always taken) but certainly dreamed and studied about. The amount of information learned by family and friends traveling with him and Lynwood could not be taught in a textbook. They made it special and memorable.

A devout Christian, Chick was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Des Arc where he was a member of the Chancel Choir and Men’s Chorus. After retirement, he cooked breakfast for the youth of the community each Friday. He enjoyed spending leisure time with his grandsons, nieces and nephews attending their sporting events. He was a founder of the Optimist Club in Des Arc and served as President, traveling the state exchanging ideas and programs. He loved music, dancing, and going to shows in Branson. As a teen, he was named Jitterbug Champion of White County.

Visitation will be Friday, June 23, 2023, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. immediately followed at 11 a.m. by a Celebration of Life service with Pastors Jaimie Alexander and Jonathan Bevil officiating at the First United Methodist Church, 605 Erwin Street, Des Arc, Ark. 72040. Burial following the service will be at Lakeside Cemetery, Des Arc. Arrangements by Garth Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Des Arc.