Howard Jeffrey Neese

   Howard Jeffrey “Jeff” Neese, 62, passed away on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at his residence.  He was born in Alamance County on October 23, 1961 to Howard P. and Virginia McMillian Neese and was the husband of 34 years to Tammy Jean Perry Neese of the home.

   Jeff grew up in Mebane, NC and was a beloved son, brother (brother-in-law), and cousin.  For 34 years he was also a cherished husband, father, and a great friend. He may not have been a man of many words but his actions spoke louder than his words.  He was a simple soul, and a country boy with a big heart. He held great love for his wife and his two daughters. He loved his family greatly and tried to help them out any way he could. He even grew his family size with adding his long-time friend Ronnie Cook, who became another brother.

   Jeff graduated from Eastern Alamance High School in 1980. Right after graduation Jeff enlisted in the US Air Force. Jeff stayed in the USAF for five years until he was honorably discharged in 1986. Jeff’s rank was as a Senior Airman (SrA) of the 437th OMS (MAC) Aircraft Maintenance Squadron-Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina. He was a Specialist in Aircraft Maintenance of C-141 (Lockheed Starlifter). He always said how much he enjoyed his time in the U.S Air Force.

   After the service Jeff took a job at Dick Shirley Chevrolet as a mechanic in the service department for eleven years. During his time after his service and before working at Dick Shirley he took a job with Bill’s Racing Souvenirs. Jeff thoroughly enjoyed working for Bill/NASCAR and driving to the races from the East Coast to as far as Arizona. This is where he met Barry Rich and family.  Barry introduced his cousin Tammy to Jeff in 1987 at the Martinsville, Virigina race. He married Tammy Perry on July 29, 1989.

   After these adventures, Jeff started working with Ronnie Cook with Cook Electric and has been working with Mr. Cook for 27 years. In that time Jeff and Ronnie became close friends, enjoying eating breakfast together, Tractor Shows, and target shooting. Jeff also shared with his younger brother a love of motorcycle ride(s) when he was able to fit it in his work schedule. He would take a joyride to the neighboring town Burlington, the mountains, or just around the block.

   Survivors include his wife, Tammy; daughters, Alanna Neese (Rodney Young), Tayler Neese; parents, Howard and Virginia Neese; brother, Tony Neese (Donna) and his canine companion, “Duke John Wayne”.  He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Howard and Dot Neese; maternal grandparents, Posie and Buck McMillion and his faithful canine companion “Knitter”.

   A graveside service to celebrate Jeff’s life will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, June 13, 2024 at Hawfields Presbyterian Church Cemetery by his friend, Mrs. Vickie Davis. The family will receive friends following the graveside at the church and other times at his parent’s home.  A public viewing will be held from 12:00 – 5:00 on Wednesday at Lowe Funeral Home and Crematory.

   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Paws4ever at https://paws4ever.org/tribute/ or by mail at 6311 Nicks Rd., Mebane, NC 27302

   To sign the online register book, please visit www.lowefuneralhome.com