Maj. Neil L. Ferrell, USAF (Ret.) of Looneyville, WV passed away at home on January 18, 2017, at the age of 86. Neil was born on March 11, 1930, at Left Hand, WV, the son of Harry W. Ferrell and Orva E. (Snodgrass) Ferrell. He is survived by his wife, Judy K. Ferrell; daughter, Sarah Ferrell Horwich and son-in-law, Mark E. Horwich of Spencer, WV; grand-children, Pierce and Leven Horwich of Papillion, NE; and a brother, Larry A. Ferrell and his wife, Norma M. Ferrell of Spencer; as well as extended family. Neil graduated from Spencer High School with the Class of 1946, attended Potomac State Jr. College and West Virginia University. He enlisted in the US Air Force in 1951 (Korean War). He graduated from Aviation Cadet Program in 1953 as a 2nd Lieutenant and rated pilot. From 1953-1959 he was stationed in England and Germany. In 1959 he was selected as Combat Crew Commander in B-47 bombers in Strategic Air Command. He was stationed in Japan in 1965, advancing to Chief of Plans and Programs for the Headquarters, 39th Air Division. In 1966 he volunteered for duty in Vietnam and organized the 5th Air Commando Squadron. In 1967 he was reassigned to Military Airlift Command as aircraft commander in C-141 "Starlifter." In 1968 he returned to Vietnam as Forward Air Controller and was assigned to 4th Infantry Division, Pleiku, as Air Liaison Officer to the 3rd Brigade. He returned to the US in 1969 and was assigned back to Military Airlift Command at McChord AFB in Washington until his retirement in 1971. During his military career, Neil was awarded many medals and ribbons, including The Silver Star, The Bronze Star and The Distinguished Flying Cross. In addition to his military service, Neil worked for and retired from Pace Pipeline; he spent two years building roadways in Nigeria; and worked as a private pilot. Neil was a well-respected member of the community. He was a member of Flat Fork Baptist Church. He served on and was active in many community and service organizations. He was a very skilled woodworker and enjoyed crafting items for his family. He also enjoyed photography. Services will be held at Taylor Vandale Funeral Home in Spencer, WV on Saturday, January 21, 2017 from 10am to 12pm. Reverend Rick Perrine will deliver the eulogy at 11am. Neil will be laid to rest in the Ferrell Cemetery at Looneyville, WV. A private graveside service with military honors will take place at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, family suggests donations to the Roane County Humane Society animal shelter. Neil loved his dogs and he would appreciate this more than flowers.