Wayne Douglas Neely, 73, of Marble Falls died Jan. 4, 2018

Wayne Douglas Neely, 73, died Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018, at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center-Temple following a brief illness.

He leaves behind his son, Clint Neely and wife Robin Neely; daughter, Ginger Cuellar and husband Juan Cuellar; five grandchildren; a niece and nephew; best friends, Reed Eichleberger and Coach Lonnie Tackett; and many close friends.

Wayne was born on June 1, 1944, in San Antonio and raised in Houston, the son of Florence P. (James) and Edwin T. Neely and brother to Kay Patterson, who all preceded him in death.

After graduating from Charles H. Milby High School in 1962, he attended Texas A&M University, graduating in 1967 with a bachelor’s degree in range science. Upon completing his degree, he joined the U.S. Army, serving as a heavy equipment operator. He was wounded during the Vietnam War, earning a Purple Heart for his dedication and bravery. The discipline and patriotism he learned in the service never left him, as friends and family will attest.

After serving in the Army, he met his wife, Pauline Adams, at a golf course. They were married in 1971 in Houston.

Mr. Neely then had the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream of becoming a real cowboy. Later in 1971, he and his wife moved to Spicewood to run the Cherry Springs Ranch for the next 20 years. He not only took pride in being a rancher, he truly appreciated the daily hard work and life lessons a ranch can teach a person. In 1991, Mr. Neely passed the ranch on to move to Marble Falls.

Mr. Neely had a passion for science and teaching. To fulfill his passion for teaching, Mr. Neely continued his education at Texas A&M and went on to receive a Master of Education in 1983 and his teaching certificate the following year. For 25 years, he taught in the Marble Falls school district while also coaching the girls golf team, helping lead the Lady Mustangs to the 2004 district championship. He also earned the 1998-2004 District Champion Medalist and the 2004 District Coach of the Year. After retiring in May 2004, Mr. Neely returned to teach part time the same year at Falls Career High School, completing his career in 2018.

An avid golfer, he was a longtime member of the Hidden Falls Country Club, receiving the award for Senior Club Champion.

A memorial service is 11 a.m. Jan. 10 at the Marble Falls Church of Christ.