Extracted from the Birmingham News (Birmingham, AL)
Friday, December 26, 2003

GIFFORD, NEIL H., age 61, of Riverside, AL, died December 23, 2003 following a courageous battle with cancer. At the end of his struggle, he confidently looked toward his new dwelling in Paradise and to his reunion with his beloved mother, Natalie Snow Cates. A Baptist, he graduated from Fairfield High School, attended Jacksonville State University, was a former Real Estate Broker, a member of the Civil Air Patrol, and the Experimental Aircraft Association.

He is survived by his “daddy”, Arlington B., (Kathryn) Cates, Maplesville, AL; brothers, Teddy (Linda) Gifford, Abilene, TX, Harold Gifford, Dallas, TX, Ronald (Susan) Cates, Chattanooga, TN, Robbie (Edith) Cates, Cropwell, AL; sister, Patricia (Sam) Bennett, Blue Mountain, MS; uncles, John (Bonnie) Snow, Trussville, AL, and Jim (Carlene) Snow, Hoover, AL; many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind a host of pilots and others who shared his love of flying and who indulged him beyond measure in this pastime, but among these a very special angel, one who expressed God's love to him in a most beautiful, compassionate, and serving way, Laurel Darnall, Pell City, AL.

The family will receive friends and relatives at Bell Funeral Home, Forestdale from 9:30 until 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 27, 2003. Graveside services (weather permitting) will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Crumly Chapel Cemetery. Bell Funeral Home, Forestdale directing.