Beloved husband, father of four, grandfather of five, and great-grandfather of six, gently passed away at home in La Pine, Oregon. He was born in Picher, Oklahoma to Charles Ray Neff and Stella May Starr (Goldie).
He was the fourth brother of five sons.
He attended White Bird Elementary School in Picher, Oklahoma. He then spent 2 years with his Grandfather Benjamin "Bee" Neff who educated him in mining, farming, finance and gentlemanly conduct.
After moving to Bend in 1939, he got job on a turkey ranch which was located in an old stone building near "Hospital Hill". Chuck attended Bend Senior High where he met his true love and lifelong sweetheart, Lillian Davis. While attending high school, he ran the projector at the Capitol Theater in Bend for "Dutch" Stover. Then, with the advice and guidance of his business teacher, at the age of 18, he purchased a shoe-shine parlor which he operated until he was drafted. This was the beginning of a developing talent for entrepreneurship. Chuck was drafted into the military, serving in the Naval Air Corps as a B24 Bow Gunner, and aerial photographer, then later in Naval Interpron II. For the majority of his service he was stationed on Guam, in the Pacific theater. After WWII Chuck returned to Bend and was hired by Robert Allen Color Productions of Hollywood as a cinematographer. The firm also did advertising for many Bend businesses. Shortly after that he married Lillian Davis. They were completely devoted to each other and inseparable. Together they had a strength and honesty which was constant, derived from a deep spiritual purity, and integrity.
He purchased and successfully ran Neff's Town Service located then on the corner of Bond and Greenwood. After the sale of that business, he and Lillian moved to Prineville, Oregon, where he went into management for J.C. Penny Company.
Ever open to new opportunities and endeavors, they relocated to Santa Maria, California. Chuck worked for the Union Oil Company and then Vandenberg Air Force base as a civil engineer during the Atlas Missile program. There he maintained atmospheric controls for programs that monitored satellites during their orbits.
Missing Bend, they decided to move back and purchased Mastercraft Cleaners in 1968. Through their efforts this was a very successful business. Eventually, they built and settled on a 10 acre ranch, and were involved with breeding and raising quarter horses.
He put family first and cherished his home. He was a wise and visionary father. Chuck was humble, patient, fair-minded, and deeply reflective. He was positive, always planning for the future. He was a life member of Bend
Masonic AF&AM, and also served as a DeMolay Dad. He was a rotary member.
They traveled extensively in their motorhome through the southern states to Florida then into Mexico and Canada. His love of nature defined his life. He was an avid sportsman. Chuck was also a rock hound and enjoyed polishing, cutting, and setting stones he discovered. Chuck loved music, often sang and played the guitar. He wrote poetry, and was an expert storyteller, passing on the family history. He was truly an honorable man.
Charles J. Neff "Chuck" is survived by his wife of 66 years Lillian Neff, their children, Michelle Riemer, Steven Neff, Rod Neff, Renee Imler, their five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. May his great light ever shine and guide us.
