Obituary: David George Neusel

David George Neusel, 60, passed away peacefully at 1:30 p.m. (CDT) on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013, in St. Thomas West Hospital in Nashville of heart and kidney failure due to a virus that settled in, and weakened, his heart about two years ago. He was admitted to Tennova Turkey Creek hospital on Friday, Oct. 11, and airlifted to St. Thomas West on Monday, Oct. 21.

David was born in Detroit, Mich., on Feb. 3, 1953. He moved to Oak Ridge in 1970 with his parents, Edward B. (“Big Ed”) and Mary (“Ginger”); older brother, Edward H. (“Eddie”); and younger brother, Paul C., to open Big Ed’s Pizza located at 101 Broadway Ave.

David had many interests throughout his school years, including Boy Scouts, football, wrestling, skydiving, camping, snow skiing, photography, karate, and swimming. He also became a gunsmith and horse farrier. According to his maternal aunt, Bobbie Bostick, of Lawrence, Kansas, David excelled in every activity he participated in, but swimming competitively was his primary focus. He was in the Rocket City Aquatic Club in Huntsville, Ala., prior to moving to Oak Ridge and joined the Atomic City Aquatic Club, and his best event was the breast stroke. He won a breast stroke race during the Southeastern Regional swim meet. This event was retired, so his winning time will always stand.

He graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 1971 and attended Middle Tennessee State University. However, rather than be drafted, he left MTSU and enlisted in the Navy in 1974. During the next six years, he served as a machinist mate on the U.S.S. LaSalle, Guam, and South Carolina. However, because he was so military minded, he returned to the Naval Reserve in 1990 and served for another three years as a SeaBee engineer.

In 1980, after his honorable discharge from the Navy, he returned to Oak Ridge and attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He graduated in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in engineering science and mechanics. While attending UT, he met Melissa Moles in 1981 at the “drop and add class” line. Although she lived on the street above the Big Ed’s parking lot and worked at the Ridge Theatre located next door to Big Ed’s Pizza, where her grandmother was the manager, they had never met—although they had come close. While David was in the Navy and home on leave, he went to see a movie at the Ridge Theatre and lost his wallet. Since Big Ed knew Melissa’s family lived close, Big Ed called Melissa’s dad, and asked him to come open the theatre so they could find David’s wallet.

After meeting at UT, David and Melissa began dating, and Melissa said they were a cheap date. After David would arrive at Melissa’s house, they would walk to Big Ed’s and have free pizza, then walk next door to the theatre and see a free movie, and then walk home. David and Melissa married in July 1985, and David then began graduate studies in finite element analysis and solid mechanics.

In 1988, David became a buyer in Procurement at Lockheed Martin Energy Systems, purchasing various computer systems until 1999, when he left to take over the pizza place after Big Ed’s death in 1998. During the last few years of his father’s life, David cared for his father while working at Lockheed and also helping to run the pizza place. David was committed to honoring his father’s wishes and his legacy, and David, like his father, will be remembered for his generosity, kindness, commitment to community and his country, and of course, the highest quality in his pizza.

Following his cremation, the family will receive friends Monday, Nov. 4, from 4–7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 327 Vermont Avenue, Oak Ridge. The funeral mass will begin at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Fr. Michael Woods officiating. Immediately following the funeral mass will be a reception at the church where the family will again receive friends until 10 p.m.

On Monday, Nov. 11, at 12 p.m. a military service will be held at Oak Ridge Memorial Park, 1501 Bethel Valley Rd., Oak Ridge in the Ball Garden, where his father is buried.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the charity of your choice in David’s name.

An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.