Dr. Dennis Keith Neely died on February 17, 2016 after an extended illness. He was an advocate for his patients both in the exam room and through his work to improve access for patients to eye health care. Dr. Neely grew up in Odessa and graduated from Odessa High School, Odessa College, and The University of Texas of the Permian Basin. After a time spent in the eye research laboratory of Dr. Don Allen, Dr. Neely applied and was accepted to the University of Houston, College of Optometry graduating in 1984. After graduation he practiced with Doctors Leach, Slider and Hembree in Odessa for 2 years before going into his own private practice. In 1999 after joining Doctors Gould and Cook that practice combined with Doctors Grigsby and Sheets to create Vision Health Specialties. In 2005 he also began practicing in Odessa with Dr. Maria Ceballos at Advanced Eyecare of Odessa . Dr. Neely enjoyed seeing patients. His patients loved his zest for conversation, his mastery of many subjects, and the care he provided them. The thing he missed most during his illness was his daily interaction with patients. Dr. Neely was also a very active volunteer. Locally, he saw patients at Casa de Amigos and the Midland Downtown Lions Club. He served as local president of Prevent Blindness and the West Texas Optometric Association. On a state level he served on several different committees of the Texas Optometric Association (TOA) and served as its president in 2004. With TOA, Dr. Neely was often found in Austin as an advocate for legislation to improve patient care in Texas. For many years he was the Texas Chair of Vision USA an organization providing eye care to those unable to afford it. An active supporter of the University of Houston, College of Optometry he also served on the board of the Foundation for Education and Research in Vision (FERV) an organization dedicated to educating future eye doctors and providing research assistance for worthy projects to enhance our knowledge of eye health with the goal of maintaining and improving vision. He was also a member of the American Optometric Association. His other passion was cars and racing. He was an active member of “The Permian Basin Hot Wheels” and “The Oil Burners” in Odessa. He was also a member of “Classic Memories” associated with AACA in Midland.
Dr. Neely is survived by his wife Marguerite Miller Neely of Midland, his sister Carol Herrington and nephew Robert Herrington of Las Vegas, Nevada, his step-son Trevor Buzbee of Midland, his step-daughter Morgan Knight of Odessa, Texas, and numerous cousins and loving family.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to the Foundation for Education and Research in Vision, 4901 Calhoun Road, Houston, Texas 77204-2020 in memory of Dr. Dennis Neely.
Memorial Service will be Saturday February 27, 2016 2PM at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Odessa, Texas.
Services entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home.
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