Offie Gene "Sonny" Neyland

Offie Gene “Sonny” Neyland, 76, of Diboll went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, October 24th at 2:22 p.m. (his favorite number). Born November 20, 1940 to the late L. B. Neyland and Erma Clark Neyland. Sonny’s life will be celebrated on Friday, October 27, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. David Goodwin and Andy Gossett officiating. Interment will follow in the Ryan Chapel Cemetery.

Sonny was a pillar in the Diboll community. His love for the youth in Diboll was evident thru his 25 years of coaching with Diboll youth baseball; many still call him “Coach”. Sonny began coaching baseball in 1961 when he was 21 years old. Sonny was an important part of integrating baseball in Diboll in 1967. In 2001 Sonny’s name was added to the Diboll Youth Baseball Wall of Honor and he threw out the first pitch of the season. He returned to assist with coaching for a few seasons after retirement to help his grandchildren.

Sonny spent many years working, supporting and donating towards Diboll Day events and fundraisers. That passion began when he worked for Temple and continued when he owned his own business. He was honored to support his hometown and surrounding towns - if ever a need, everyone knew to call Sonny…A true servant of God.

Sonny retired from Temple and became the owner and operator of his own successful business, Diboll Glass, for over 20 years before his health declined.

Sonny is survived by his wife Nina Neyland - best friend and soulmate forever; daughter and son-in-law, Teri & Ernesto Trevino of Dallas and their children, Ernesto, Jr, Michael, Kristie, Sarah and Max; daughter, Kim Neyland Williams of Austin and children, Chris and Kaleb; daughter and son-in-law, Gena & Richard Dailey of Hawaii and their children, Cori, Jordan, and Michael; daughter and son-in-law, Letty & Alex Vargas of Diboll; son and daughter-in-law, Juan & Kyrie Reyes of Huntington and their children, Blain, Alexus, Ethan, and Isabelle; son and daughter-in-law, Gabby & Lucy Reyes of Houston and their children, Ryan, Tony, Matthew, Isiah, Audri, and Khloe; daughter and son-in-law, Celsa & Kevin Hurley of Diboll and their children, Reagan, Sydney, Kevin, Jr., Chandlyr, and Eli; 7 great grandchildren; sister and brother-in-law, Louise & Travis Gossett of Diboll and their family; brother, Harold & Linda Neyland of Conroe and their family; brother, Wayne and Cindi Clark; special family friend, Sawyre Thornhill of Huntington; and numerous cousins and friends.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Chris Boulware, Max Curkan, Michael Dailey, Eli McGaughey, Ethan Reyes, Isiah Reyes and Sawyre Thornhill.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Dwayne Stanford, Daniel Phipps, Juan Palacios, Archie Jackson, Howard Smith, and John Smith.

The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at ETMC in Tyler for their CARE and compassion towards Sonny during this time. We will always cherish these moments.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home.

Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.