Willis Ray Neace, 79, of Jackson, Kentucky, entered eternal rest on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born June 15, 1946, in Perry County, Kentucky, to the late Joe and Cora Campbell Neace.
Ray was a retired diesel mechanic, having dedicated many years of service to Lost Mountain Coal Company. He had a true passion for old cars and loved working on them, as well as buying, selling, and trading—sometimes even keeping a new purchase at a friend’s house until he was ready to let his wife know about it. He was also fond of bluegrass music and enjoyed attending bluegrass shows. Above all else, Ray cherished spending time with his family and his beloved dog, Bobo.
Ray leaves the following family to cherish his memory: his loving wife of 58 years, Dottie Willis Neace; daughters, Anita Kaye Godsey, Tanya Neace, Jackie Messer (Greg), and Heather Neace (Dylan); son, Heath Ray Neace (Suzanne); bonus son, Harold Hutchinson (Lottie); sister, Thelma Noble; grandchildren, Chris Godsey, Kristin Blakeman, Brack Messer, and Dylan Carroll; and great-grandchildren, Mason Southwood, Colter Watkins, Waylon Watkins, Zoey Godsey, and Ryan Godsey.
In addition to his parents, Joe and Cora Campbell Neace, Ray was preceded in death by his grandson, Zachary Godsey; son-in-law, Cleon Lee Godsey; and a host of brothers and sisters.
Visitation for Willis Ray Neace will be held Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at The Breathitt Funeral Home. His funeral service will be conducted Wednesday, February 11, 2026, beginning at 1:00 p.m., with Bobby Hollon and Tyler Nichols officiating. Entombment will follow in the Mountain View Memorial Gardens Mausoleum in Hazard, Kentucky.
Pallbearers will be Heath Neace, Harold Hutchinson, Mason Southwood, Brack Messer, Dylan Watkins, Chris Godsey, Brian Combs, and Harold Thompson. Dylan Carroll will serve as an honorary pallbearer.
Ray’s love for old cars was well known, and he took pride in bringing them back to life. In much the same way, he enriched the lives of those around him with his kindness, dedication, and quiet humor.
