Neil Gregg Wilson

Neil Gregg Wilson, a resident of Eagle Trace retirement community in Houston, Texas, passed away on June 30, 2009, after a lengthy illness. He is preceded in death by his parents, Karl and Thelma, and his sister, Karol Ann Haines.

Neil is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Sue, and two sons, John and Michael, daughters-in-law, Karon and Denise, and grandchildren Grey, Stephanie and Jennifer, and great-grandson Vance.

Neil was born in Metz, Mo., Dec. 27, 1926, and attended school in Metz through the 11th grade before moving to Nevada, to attend and complete high school studying math and chemistry.

Upon graduation from high school in May 1944, he enlisted in the Naval Air Corps, and was assigned to a PBM squadron in the South Pacific as part of the Allied Forces during World War II. Neil participated in the United States forces advance across the Pacific. He and his flight crew were in Yokohama Japan during the Japanese surrender and signing of the Truce.

Neil was honorably discharged from the Navy in May 1946 at Great Lakes Naval Station and returned to Nevada to marry his high school sweetheart, Sue Hardin. He and Sue were married June 16, 1946. Neil attended the University of Missouri and graduated with a degree in chemical engineering. Neil joined Shell Pipeline Company in 1951 and progressed through a series of Shell Pipeline management positions from Area superintendent in Midland to Four Corners division manager in Farmington, N.M., and thereafter as West Coast Division Manager in Compton Calif.

In 1964, Neil returned to Houston as Shell Pipeline Engineering Manager. Further career moves took Neil and his family to New York with Shell Oil and later to Holland with Royal Dutch Shell. In late 1974, Neil again returned to Houston as manager Pipeline Operations U.S.

After 35 years with Shell, Neil and Sue retired to McAllen, Texas, in 1987. Neil opted for a second career of fishing, golf, hunting and travel. He enjoyed fishing at Lake Falcon with his good friends. While in McAllen, Neil was an active member of the McAllen Country Club, the Rotary Club and the Tower Breakfast Club.

During his 24 years of retirement, Neil always looked forward to the annual Pipeliner's luncheon and the comradery of old friends. In 2005, Neil and Sue returned to Houston to be nearer their two sons and their families. Neil will be missed by his family and many friends.

Memorial services will be held for Neil in Houston at Forest Park Westheimer on Tuesday, July 7, between 2 and 4 p.m.