Uncle Wayne & Aunt Elva Jean were a very integral part of my childhood, seems each summer I would be shipped off to Morgan City for a visit. Many of my childhood memories are of time spent with them in Morgan City where I was alwas welcomed with open arms and a wee bit of trepidation for the antics that always seemed to follow me. Aunt Elva Jean piddling around in the kitchen creating delicious concoctions, Uncle Wayne popping in and out during the day and my cousins groaning at the thought of having to lug me around or worse yet try to entertain me.
Our families shared many a holiday together as we formed the McNeely Clan of Louisiana. When I ventured off to college I had my plans of grandeur, but alas Uncle Wayne and Daddy had another...hence I followed in his footsteps into Petroleum Engineering. This was indeed the correct choice for me as I'm still following that path.
As an adult, when I made sales calls in New Orleans he typically ventured with me to see his friends and colleagues at Exxon Mobil. Those were memorable moments for the both of us as I met new friends and he visited with old ones. I was always amazed at the stories that typically started with "Wayne was my mentor and he hired me....".
Wayne & Elva Jean stood beside our family during his younger brother's (my Daddy) untimely death. He and my Daddy even shared a birthday, which now they wll celebrate together.
Though I am unable to be there in person, I am there in spirit and he will be in my heart forever.
Patti Kay McNeely
