Retired doctor thankful for life, honors

Dr. Samuel Neff was born on Sept. 12, 1921, at the Baptist Hospital when it was on Prince Street in Clovis. His parents were Stella and Omar Clyde Neff. His father was a locomotive engineer and his mother was a retired school teacher.

Neff is a retired general practitioner and surgeon and member of the Clovis Rotary Club. He also served as a B-24 pilot during WWII, flying numerous missions over Italy and other parts of war-torn Europe.

In September, Neff was honored alongside his best friend, Elwyn Crume, for lifetime achievements and outstanding and altruistic service to his

Sam Neff and his wife, Peggy Neff, at their home in Clovis. Sam was awarded a key to the city for his lifetime achievement in September 2016.

community and country. He was presented by Mayor Lansford a proclamation declaring Sept. 15. as Doctor Sam Neff Day and a key to the city.

How did you feel to be awarded a key to the city for your lifetime achievement this year?

I was totally surprised and very proud, humbled, honored and grateful to Mayor Lansford, the Rotary and the city commission.

When you were a kid, what did you think you’d be doing as an adult?

I had always wanted to be a doctor. My grandmother told me when I was very young that I had the hands of a surgeon.

Tell us about your greatest individual accomplishment?

Getting my education and becoming a general physician, surgeon in 1957. I returned home to serve the people of Clovis. I joined the Associated Physicians with Dr. John Conway, Dr. Allan Haynes Sr., Dr. Michael de Miao and Dr. Bryan Willmon.

Tell us how you met your spouse.

In November 1950, I met and married Virginia Jones from Elko, Nevada in Denver, Colorado. She was a nurse at Medical School Hospital. Together, we had five children, five grandchildren and one great-grandson. I met my current wife, Peggy, at Foxy's Drive-in. My friend Elwyn was responsible for introducing us and we've been married since 2003. Of my accomplishments, she likes to say I was a hero in the past and now I'm her hero.

Tell us a story about your childhood.

I went to Clovis public schools for elementary and middle school. In 1939, I graduated Clovis High School, located on Seventh and Main streets at the time. I played high school football, was a member and president of the boys debate team. Following high school I attended Eastern New Mexico Junior College, where I participated in a federally sponsored flight training program in anticipation of WWII. I then transferred to UNM, later returning to graduate pre-med after serving 3 years in the war. I returned to UNM to get my bachelor degree in science. I attended medical school at the University of Colorado. My internship was at Denver Medical and I did my residency at the VA and Albuquerque Indian Hospital.

What is the best gift you ever received?

My life, coming home from WWII and active duty as a B-24 pilot. I flew 50 missions and had 400 hours of combat. After I received my education, I rejoined the Army Air Corps and was assigned to the hospital in Great Falls, Montana, for a year and was transferred to Johnston Atoll as base surgeon for service men and families for one year.

What are some other accomplishments you’re proud of?

I feel honored and privileged to have served my country as well as the 42 years I served the Clovis community as their physician. I thank you all for the many honors you have given me. Some of these were being the first doctor to serve as a board member at our hospital in Clovis. I served eight years as a board member at the Presbyterian Hospital Assoc. in Albuquerque, who presented me the Presbyterian Healthcare Service Distinguished Leader Award in 1988. The Cannon AFB ALS Class 2013 added me to the Wall of Heroes at the Officers Club in 2012. Plains Regional Medical Center honored me by dedicating their conference room in my name in 2011. The Rotary District 5520 honored me a hero for the Rotary Club of Clovis. I was honored to be sponsored by Bill Kennon for a trip to Washington on Oct. 3, 2012, to take the honor flag of southern New Mexico and to visit all of the memorials.

What is your theme song?

God Bless America.

— Compiled by Correspondent D'Nieka Hartsfield