Neal Muir
July 11, 1947 ~ August 7, 2016
On August 7th, the world lost a loving and dedicated husband, dutiful father, and joyous grandfather, as David Neal Muir, Sr. passed from this world.
The son of Donald David and Effie Muir, Neal, as he was known by family and friends, grew up in New Waterford, Ohio, with his parents and 4 siblings. As a young man, Neal did a lot to help with the family businesses. He would get up in the early hours before school to make runs to the local distributor so that their family store would have stock on the shelves. Neal also aided his father in starting the family mobile-home business.
Neal graduated from high school in 1965 and was the recipient of the E.W. Bliss scholarship for academic achievement and attended a year at Youngstown State University. In 1966, Neal received a letter of endorsement from U.S. Senator Wayne Hays to attend one of the most prestigious institutions in America, the United States Military Academy also known as West Point. After a 1967 West Point vs. Pitt football game, his life would be changed forever when he met a young nursing student by the name of Mary Alice Merritt, the woman he would cherish for the rest of his life.
Neal graduated from West Point in 1970 as an Armor Officer and married Mary Alice three weeks later. Together, they traveled to Germany for Neal's first duty station, and started their family with their first of 3 sons, David, Jr. After three years abroad, the young Muir family traveled to Ft. Hood in Texas to end his military career.
After separating from the Army as a First Lieutenant, Neal and Mary Alice moved to Pittsburgh and had their second son, Jeffrey Allen, and third son, Thomas Austin. They then moved to Virginia after Neal joined the Patent and Trademark Office, where he served as a patent examiner for 25 years. Neal and Mary Alice would continue to "adopt" their additional sons, Jamie Toms, Timothy Emrick and David Conroy, into their family over the years.
As a father, Neal was stern, but fair. He raised his sons to be hard working, respectful, and contributing members of society. Neal instilled a dedication and love for country into his boys, with David Jr., following in his footsteps and joining the Army National Guard. He also loved to work with his boys and the various sports teams they played on. From coaching and reffing soccer, to allowing a few more dents on the siding trying to teach one of his sons how to pitch, Neal loved every minute of it. When they started to play football, Neal's voice was the only distinguishable one heard on the field from the stands. Often times, kids on the field would ask, "Who is that?!?" Only for his boys to respond, "That's my Dad."
In 2000, Neal's first grandson was born. This transition from "Dad" to "Pap Pap" gave him so much joy. As more grandchildren entered the family, his eyes seemed to shine that much brighter. Neal was proud of his kids, and the family men that they grew to be.
Neal is survived by his wife of 46 years, Mary Alice, his three sons David Jr. (Amy Michelle), Jeff (Tory), Tom (Melissa) and seven grandchildren, whom he cherished deeply. May he rest in peace.
For those who are available and interested, here are the arrangements for Neal Muir's viewing, service and location for being laid to rest.
Viewing: Tuesday August 16, 2016
Location: Money & King Funeral Home - 171 Maple Ave W, Vienna, VA 22180
Time: 5PM 8PM
Service: Wednesday August 17, 2016
Location: Money & King Funeral Home - 171 Maple Ave W, Vienna, VA 22180
Time: 12PM
At the conclusion of the service, the funeral procession will travel to Quantico National Cemetery, 18424 Joplin Rd, Triangle, VA 22172.
Interment: Wednesday August 17, 2016
Location: Quantico National Cemetery - 18424 Joplin Rd, Triangle, VA 22172
Time: 2PM
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Fairfax County Fire Department through support of:
"Fill the Boot from the Muir Memorial"
Attn: Joel Kobersteen
10500 Sager Ave #A
Fairfax, VA 22030
If a check donation, please make it out to "MDA" and put Muir Memorial in the memo field.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
The son of Donald David and Effie Muir, Neal, as he was known by family and friends, grew up in New Waterford, Ohio, with his parents and 4 siblings. As a young man, Neal did a lot to help with the family businesses. He would get up in the early hours before school to make runs to the local distributor so that their family store would have stock on the shelves. Neal also aided his father in starting the family mobile-home business.
Neal graduated from high school in 1965 and was the recipient of the E.W. Bliss scholarship for academic achievement and attended a year at Youngstown State University. In 1966, Neal received a letter of endorsement from U.S. Senator Wayne Hays to attend one of the most prestigious institutions in America, the United States Military Academy also known as West Point. After a 1967 West Point vs. Pitt football game, his life would be changed forever when he met a young nursing student by the name of Mary Alice Merritt, the woman he would cherish for the rest of his life.
Neal graduated from West Point in 1970 as an Armor Officer and married Mary Alice three weeks later. Together, they traveled to Germany for Neal's first duty station, and started their family with their first of 3 sons, David, Jr. After three years abroad, the young Muir family traveled to Ft. Hood in Texas to end his military career.
After separating from the Army as a First Lieutenant, Neal and Mary Alice moved to Pittsburgh and had their second son, Jeffrey Allen, and third son, Thomas Austin. They then moved to Virginia after Neal joined the Patent and Trademark Office, where he served as a patent examiner for 25 years. Neal and Mary Alice would continue to "adopt" their additional sons, Jamie Toms, Timothy Emrick and David Conroy, into their family over the years.
As a father, Neal was stern, but fair. He raised his sons to be hard working, respectful, and contributing members of society. Neal instilled a dedication and love for country into his boys, with David Jr., following in his footsteps and joining the Army National Guard. He also loved to work with his boys and the various sports teams they played on. From coaching and reffing soccer, to allowing a few more dents on the siding trying to teach one of his sons how to pitch, Neal loved every minute of it. When they started to play football, Neal's voice was the only distinguishable one heard on the field from the stands. Often times, kids on the field would ask, "Who is that?!?" Only for his boys to respond, "That's my Dad."
In 2000, Neal's first grandson was born. This transition from "Dad" to "Pap Pap" gave him so much joy. As more grandchildren entered the family, his eyes seemed to shine that much brighter. Neal was proud of his kids, and the family men that they grew to be.
Neal is survived by his wife of 46 years, Mary Alice, his three sons David Jr. (Amy Michelle), Jeff (Tory), Tom (Melissa) and seven grandchildren, whom he cherished deeply. May he rest in peace.
For those who are available and interested, here are the arrangements for Neal Muir's viewing, service and location for being laid to rest.
Viewing: Tuesday August 16, 2016
Location: Money & King Funeral Home - 171 Maple Ave W, Vienna, VA 22180
Time: 5PM 8PM
Service: Wednesday August 17, 2016
Location: Money & King Funeral Home - 171 Maple Ave W, Vienna, VA 22180
Time: 12PM
At the conclusion of the service, the funeral procession will travel to Quantico National Cemetery, 18424 Joplin Rd, Triangle, VA 22172.
Interment: Wednesday August 17, 2016
Location: Quantico National Cemetery - 18424 Joplin Rd, Triangle, VA 22172
Time: 2PM
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Fairfax County Fire Department through support of:
"Fill the Boot from the Muir Memorial"
Attn: Joel Kobersteen
10500 Sager Ave #A
Fairfax, VA 22030
If a check donation, please make it out to "MDA" and put Muir Memorial in the memo field.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
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Just remembering the exceptional man and brother Neal was. May we all honor and remember him. My heart hurts for his wonderful family. Love to all. Aunt Beth
You will be surely missed! Xoxo Lots of love, Ashley
Neal was a very loving husband,father and grandfather. His family was the most important thing in his life. He was so very proud of his family. Neal was always a very thoughtful and generous friend. He would give you the shirt off his back. We miss you Very Dear Friend. May you rest in Peace
Dear Mary Alice, Our love and our prayers are with you and the family at this most difficult time. May Neal’s memory be eternal.
Dear Mary Alice, Our love and our prayers are with you and the family at this most difficult time. May Neal’s memory be eternal.
I remember Dave (as I knew him, rather than as Neil), and Mary Alice, well from our time together in 3/7 Cav. I left active duty before he left Germany, and we lost touch. I am pleased to hear about his fine family, and his success in life after the service. My condolences to his family, and to him, a hearty “Garry Owen”! Bob Hess
So sorry to hear about Neal,Mary Alice. Our love and prayers are with you and the family,Love,Lou and Joan
Mary Alice, Ruth was taken aback by your call. I regret you had to make the call but am glad you did let us know. I remember fondly our times together in Schweinfurt from the first day Neal dragged the new lieutenant home for lunch; you trapped in the countryside, too pregnant with David to fit behind the steering wheel of the VW. You were gracious and Neil was always a true comrade in arms. When I needed help, advise or a swift kick, he was there and you were faithfully at his side. I appreciated your spending the time to be part of our wedding. Toledo in winter was certainly not an ideal vacation. Later Neal welcomed us as we passed through Texas. It was a disappointment we missed you but it was more important to be at your father’s retirement. In Pittsburgh, you again took me in and accepted co workers I brought along. Over the years we have looked forward to hearing from you as our families grew. I hope that continues. Garry Owen! David & Ruth Dykstra