Send Flowers

Life story

" It is with great sadness that we celebrate the life of Harry L Neller Jr., 81, born in Dayton, Ohio. Harry passed away peacefully with his son, Harry Lloyd by his side on November 6th, 2024.

Harry was born on April 18th, 1943 to Gay Cox and Harry Neller Sr. in Dayton, Ohio. He was raised in Honaker, VA by his mother, Gay Smith and Edwin Smith, who was the father figure in his life.

Harry enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17 on April 30th, 1960. He had to get a waiver signed because of his age.

Harry was a jack of all trades. The most meaningful careers he had was in the roller skating business and the auto industry.

He opened Dominion Skating rinks in Christiansburg, VA and Culpeper, VA. The kids at the rinks loved him and the energy he brought to this craze in the 70's and 80's. He oversaw Hugo's in Bealeton, VA and was part of the team that built the large roller skate that was pulled in all the local parades. It is the world's largest roller skate sculpture, and still sits roadside off Rt 17N.

Harry then began his career in the auto industry. One of the first dealerships he worked at was Piedmont Chevrolet in Culpeper, VA. He was also a small farm owner in Culpeper, and loved his animals. He had everything from chickens to cattle to billy goats.

After moving to Fredericksburg, VA, Harry would start a career at Radley Chevrolet. Harry and Mark, his sons would follow him into the business and worked with him at the Radley Auto Group. He was a one of a kind salesperson that touched many peoples lives while purchasing a vehicle. The experiences he had will stand the test of time. He never met a stranger and was loved by many.

Once retired from the car business, Harry got his first Golden Retriever, which led to his decision to breed these loving companions. He loved his animals as if they were his children. His vacuum cleaners, one on each level, made the ultimate sacrifice. We love knowing that he was able to bring such joy into so many others lives through Neller's Goldens. His legacy will live on by the love extended into so many family's homes.

Harry loved spending time with his family and friends, He was always willing to leave the door open for you to come in and visit. He enjoyed making those BIG Sunday breakfasts for his legendary biscuits and gravy.

He would say the biggest blessing in his life was becoming a Grandaddy. He spoke so highly about all his grandchildren and would constantly share stories with anyone and everyone about their accomplishments.

He could pick crabs and drink those Miller Lites with the best of them. We actually got thrown out of an all you can eat crab house once because of him! True story.

He not only enjoyed selling vehicles, he loved to race them. From the small track dirt ovals to the dragstrips on the East Coast, his favorite was the times he spent at the Daytona Super Speedway. We were able to spend time with him and the "Honey Hush" pro stock, making great memories and horsepower. He had the need for speed.

Harry is a very special person that we will miss, and we will keep the memories alive by the stories we tell and the moments we all shared.

Preceded in joining the Lord: Mother & Father, Harry L Neller Sr. & Gay Cox.

Survived by:
Brothers: Larry Smith, Charles D Smith and Mark A Smith

Sisters-In-Laws: Teresa Smith, Becky Smith and Paula Smith

Sons: Harry L Neller III, and Mark D Neller

Daughters-In-Law: Michelle M Perreault-Neller and Amanda Chewning-Neller

Grandchildren: Blake M Neller, Alexandra Neller, Hunter L Neller, Caleb A Neller, Andrew R Neller, Grace M Neller, Ethan C Neller and Madalynn E Nofplot

Great Grandchildren Ozzy Neller, and Soon To Be Dane Neller.

Harry is survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be a Private Celebration of Life held on December 8th, 2024. Details will be made available.

"