Neil Koon

Neil Daniel Koon, 98, of Salem, Alabama, went to his heavenly home on Saturday, November 1, 2025.

Funeral services will be held at Concord Baptist Church, 321 Lee Road 251, Salem, AL, on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time. Rev. Bud Passmore, Rev. Billy Duncan, and Rev. Jarrod Horne will officiate. The family will receive friends for a visitation from 1:00 to 3:00 PM Eastern Time, also at the church. A private interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Neil was born on August 8, 1927, in Jacksonville, FL, to Luther and Fenella Koon. He was the oldest of two children, with his younger brother, Irvin. He graduated as the salutatorian of his class at Smiths Station High School and later received the American Farmer degree in FFA.

Neil married Grace Alice Mills on June 10, 1950, and they shared 69 years of marriage until her passing in 2019. Together, they had three children: Allen, Mary Jayne, and Jonathan. Sadly, Allen passed away in 1972.

From a young age, Neil was a hard worker. He grew up on the family farm and worked as a dairyman. Over the years, he operated a sawmill, worked as a timber buyer, ran an auto salvage yard, developed land, and became a real estate broker. In 1962, Neil founded Phenix Realty Company, which he operated until 2024. Neil was known for leading by example—never too proud to tackle even the most menial task. Whether the project was big or small, Neil had the courage, stamina, and determination to get it done. He was also active in civic organizations, becoming a charter member of both the Smiths Station Ruritan Club and the Bleecker Ruritan Club.

A faithful member of Concord Baptist Church since the age of 5, Neil accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at 5 years old and was baptized about 10 years later. In 1947-48, he began teaching Sunday School to young people. After the passing of his father in 1962, Neil took on the responsibility of teaching the Men’s Sunday School Class, a role he held until 2024. Neil served as a deacon at Concord Baptist Church from 1962 until his death.

Neil was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. In earlier years, he and Grace enjoyed traveling the world with their family. Neil had a passion for storytelling, especially when surrounded by family and friends. He was a mentor whose influence touched and inspired many lives. He was an avid reader and never stopped learning. An avid fisherman, Neil loved the outdoors and had a keen ability for cruising timber and evaluating land. Neil was also known for his famous divinity candy that he would make every Christmas.

Neil was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, his son Allen, his wife Grace, his granddaughter Shannon Koon Catrett, and his daughter-in-law Kelly Koon.

He is survived by his devoted daughter Mary Jayne Rudd and her husband Jerry, son Jonathan Koon and his wife Kimberly, grandchildren Austin Koon, Cole Koon, and Gracyn Koon and her husband Bryen Stephens, dear friends and co-workers Amanda Bragg and Carol Barber, and numerous beloved family members and friends.

Serving his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was central to Neil's life. He dedicated himself to his church and to pointing others to Jesus. Neil would want to be remembered as someone who loved the Lord and believed in the gospel. He lived a Christian life and strived to share the message of Jesus Christ with all who crossed his path. Neil firmly believed that by trusting in God, we are promised a home in heaven for eternity—a gift greater than any other.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Neil’s memory to Concord Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be made at www.vancebrooksfuneralhome.net