With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Hubert Lee “Sonny” Neill, born on June 24, 1934, in Canehill, MO, to Hubert and Berneice (Stockton) Neill.  Sonny departed this life peacefully on September 24, 2026, in Fair Play, MO, leaving behind a legacy of love and dedication to his family and the land he cherished.

Sonny started school at Harley School, then went to Bearcreek school and graduated from Fair Play High School in 1951.   Sonny met the love of his life, Shirley Ann Cantrell and they were married on December 18, 1954. 

Sonny’s parents bought a farm at Masters, MO, and moved to the farm in 1937, where his dad bought milk cows and started milking Holsteins.  As Sonny got older his love and passion for farming became his lively hood.  He loved raising different kinds of hay, especially alfalfa to feed the dairy cows.  His mom and dad then retired and moved to Fair Play in the early 70’s and Sonny then took over the farm.  He lived his life as a proud farmer, nurturing livestock and cultivating the fields that sustained his family and community. His unwavering commitment to hard work and his deep connection to animals and agriculture were a testament to his character and values.

Sonny loved going to tractor pulls, going different places to eat dinner, family gatherings “especially when he could aggravate the grandkids”, and going to farm shows.  He loved driving around on the gator checking cows, watching nature, and driving tractors especially raking hay.

Sonny and his dad used to love raising catfish in their ponds and seine fish to sell to the public.  He was a long loving devoted Christian who went to church at the Bona Church of Christ every Sunday where he was the treasure for many years.  The love and kindness he showed others will never be forgotten.

Sonny was preceded in death by his parents; wife Shirley Neill, son in-law Terry Rountree.

Sonny was a devoted father to his three children: Susie Rountree, Steve Neill (Ronda), and Scotty Neill (Melissa); five grandkids, 10 great grandkids, and three great great grandkids; his older sister Jean Fleeman; as well as many other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held at Pitts Chapel Friday, October 2, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.  Funeral services will take place at the Bona Church of Christ on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 2:00 PM, where family and friends will gather to celebrate his remarkable life and share cherished memories, allowing loved ones to come together in tribute to a beloved father and friend. Burial will follow at Hartley Cemetery.  Online condolences may be made at: www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Pitts Chapel Bolivar, MO.

As we remember Sonny, we are grateful for the warmth he brought into our lives and the lessons he imparted through his work ethic and love for family. His spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew him.