Ellis "Neal" Smiley

January 17, 1927 -December 13, 2022 With his family by his side, Ellis Neal Smiley passed peacefully on December 13, 2022, in Spokane, WA. Neal was the eldest child of two sons born to Ellis Lee and Esther Irene Matson Smiley in Kellogg, Idaho on January 17, 1927. He served in the Army following his high school graduation from Kellogg High School. After his service he attended the University of Idaho and received a Business degree in 1952. He made his way across the U.S. to Louisville, Kentucky for his first job at Winn Dixie grocery. On a blind date, he met the "love of his life" and stole her heart, Joyce Ann Shrewsbury. They married and made their way back across the country, stopping in Kellogg and finally settling in Pasco, WA. Neal and Joyce were blessed with four children. In addition, he was given the opportunity to parent Patricia Foley and Nila Connors. Neal began his career in Pasco as an insurance agent for almost 50 years, and finally retiring at the young age of 83! Neal was a dedicated professional serving his clients with an unwavering drive to give them the best service, a committed community member serving on various boards and committees including Kiwanis, Pasco Chamber of Commerce, Benton Franklin Humane Society, Tri-City Visitors and Convention Bureau and Pasco Boosters Club. He deeply loved everything about Pasco! The University of Idaho was dear to Neal's heart. Some would say he bled silver and gold. As a loyal and avid fan of the University of Idaho Vandals, Neal was a long-time supporter of Vandal Athletics, serving as President of the Vandal Booster Club and a football season ticket holder for over 50 years. Neal was an avid golfer, enjoyed yearly trips to Maui and spending time with family at their Coeur D'Alene Lake cabin. Neal was an incredible man, a true embodiment of the "Great Generation" and the definition of a self-made man. He worked hard his entire life to give his children and grandchildren as many opportunities as possible. He asked for little in return, but quietly took pride in his family. It was his greatest wish that he leave his family healthy, hard-working, and above all, joyous in their lives. He is survived by his devoted wife Joyce; his children Belinda (Steven) Mathews and their children Allison, Ryan, and Scarlett: Rick (Mary Ann) Smiley and their children Neal, Stephen, Scotty, Mary Lynn, Krista, Kathleen, and Nick; Robin (James) Hancock and their children Mark and Chad; Lorie (Ben) Berriochoa and their children Megan, Morgan and Kole; Patricia Foley; sister-in-law Betty Saurs; and 23 great grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents; brother Jack Smiley; grandson Daniel Mathews; and Nila Connors. A memorial celebration will be held at Riverview Methodist Church, 4012 W Court St., Pasco, WA on Tuesday, December 20th at 11:00 a.m.