Historical Marker Dedication Ceremony
Held At The McNeir Cemetery
Smith Point, Texas

Page 2

Following Ms. Doyen’s remarks, she and other family members placed beautiful floral arrangements on the graves of their ancestors. This led to a “stroll down memory lane” life story highlights, including Sarah Paschal Pix and Charles Forest Pix, presented by Mrs. Mary Edith Nelson Scott.

Mrs. Ruth Nelson Stanford Hendrix then spoke of the lives of Emily Agnes Paschal McNeir, and William McNeir, a Confederate States Army Civil War Veteran, buried in the cemetery.

A tribute to the Confederate Veteran followed with the presentation, at graveside, of the Confederate Flag, presented by Kenneth Standley, a member of the Spaight’s Battalion Honor Guard, and the Pledge to the Confederate Flag, led by Battalion member R. B. Scherer, Jr.

A grave dedication was then presented by Mrs. Hazel Meaux, a member of Thomas Jefferson Chambers Chapter #2591, United Daughters of the Confederacy, followed by a Rose Tribute by the UDC, with their flag presented by George Willcox, and concluded with a Rifle Salute to the Veteran by the Spaight’s Battalion Honor Guard member, Mr. Lindy Burgess.

Ralph William McNeir presented remarks of his ancestors, Forest Waldemar McNeir and Stella Frick McNeir.

Ridge Watie McNeir gave the life history of George Paschal McNeir, Edith Hogan McNeir, and Margaret Celeste McNeir. George Paschal McNeir was descended from Revolutionary War soldier George Paschal.
Two descendants present, Mrs. Dorothy McNeir Horner and Mrs. Mary Edith Nelson Scott,
are members of the Mary Shirley McGuire and the Lost Pines Chapters, respectively, of
the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Mrs. Anne Roberts Benge gave the life history of Kathryn McNeir Nelson Roberts Stuart, Susan Roberts Nevills, and Floyd Wayne Scott (United States Navy, World War II).

A tribute to the World War II Veteran began by the flag bearer, Aaron Kelly, of the Freeman Spath Post presenting the U. S. Flag at graveside. A Widow’s Rose Tribute was given by Mrs. Mary Edith Nelson Scott, widow of Floyd Wayne Scott. The ceremony concluded with a Rifle Salute by the Freeman Spath Post Honor Guard, Sam Hill III, Karman Stockwell, E. J. Manuel, and Allen Dequent.

Mrs. Jean McNeir Williams and Mr. Harold Williams proceeded with the honors of unveiling the “Official Texas Historical Marker.”

The unveiling was followed by Mr. Paul Ridenour and his guitar, leading the group in the hymn, “In the Sweet By-and-By”.

Mr. Ridge Watie McNeir sang the words to “TAPS” accompanied by trumpeter Mrs. Pam Sweeney.

Upon the closing remarks offered by Bob Wheat, Mrs. Dorothy McNeir Horner was presented with a Certificate Of Award, signed by Governor Rick Perry, presented by County Judge Jimmy Sylvia, commemorating the historic cemetery.

A Benediction by the Rev. Barbara McNeir closed the ceremony.

A delicious seafood meal, enjoyed by all, was prepared by Chef Eddie Nelson and the posse, served at Ben Nelson’s Spoonbill R.V. Park restaurant.

Texas Historical Marker
Picture and Text