Howard J. ("Junie") Neff

Howard J. Neff (Junie) of Perryville, MD, died Tuesday, November 25, 2014 in Harford Memorial Hospital of Havre de Grace, MD, following a brief illness. He was 85. A lifelong resident of Perryville, MD, he was born December 31, 1928 to the late Howard D. and Frances Keesey Neff. Howard was a graduate of the former Jacob Tome Institute of Port Deposit, MD. He earned a law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law. He was drafted  into the United States Army having served from 1952-54, during which time he was selected to attend JAG School and graduated a First Lieutenant. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves for 20 plus years and retired a full Colonel. Upon discharge from active duty, Howard began the Perryville Oil Company of Perryville, MD, and operated this business for 40 plus years. He also owned and operated a full-service gas station in Perryville. Howard was a member of the Perryville United Methodist Church of Perryville, MD,  having served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. In addition, he served for many years on the Board of Directors of the Cecil Federal Saving and Loan Association. Some of Howard’s most memorable accomplishments include Mayor of Perryville 1966 through 1968, the purchase of Chesapeake View Farms in 1966 which he farmed for many years, the 1968 construction and operation of the Chesapeake View Campground until 1993, after which came the beginning of the long process of turning this property into the current Furnace Bay Golf Course which Howard owned and operated until his death. Howard is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Beverlee C. Neff, of Perryville, MD; son, Randall C. Neff and wife, Michelle Boyd Neff, and daughter, Shelby Neff Haley, all of Perryville, MD; grandchildren, Megan Neff, Jason Neff, Leigh Anne Haley, Todd A. Haley, Jr.; step-granddaughter, Jaime C. Haley; great grandchildren and step-great grandchildren, Makayla, Cali, Logan, Jaxon and Reed; brother, David L. Neff of Perryville, MD; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Howard was preceded in death by his sisters, Dorothy Mutschler Hinkson and Beverly N. McKay. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Perryville United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 312, Perryville, MD 21903. A memorial service will be held Sunday, December 7, 2014, 2 PM, at the Perryville United Methodist Church. Pastor Ray Graham of the Perryville United Methodist Church will officiate.