Neil McCarty Briix, son of George Briix and Gladys Fern (Kay) Briix, was born in Vici, OK, at the home of his maternal grandparents James L. and Maude (Gore) Kay on January 4, 1935. Neil gained his wings at home May 12, 2023.

Neil was proud of his German/Irish heritage through paternal grandparents Robert Gustave and Katherine (McCarty) Briix. Neil was a member of the Vici First Christian Church and was baptized in July, 1946.

Neil was a Vici High School graduate, and after graduating, Neil went to work for Francis Weedon, where Francis trained Neil as a surveyor. Later, Francis' crew and Neil moved to Montana to continue work.

In 1958, Neil entered the army and completed boot camp in Fort Hood, TX, with "King of Rock and Roll," Elvis Presley. From the skills that Neil learned from Francis, Neil was able to continue his trade as a surveyor and was stationed in Germany.

After being discharged from the army, Neil went to work for GSI, where he continued his skills in surveying, working in the desert in Saudi Arabia. During the summer, when the desert became too hot for the men to work in, the company would pay their crews and send them home every other year. During this off time, the men would often travel, which later, became one of Neil's best decisions. The men flew into Zürich, Switzerland , where Neil met his wife of 50 years, Gertrud "Trudi" (Alder) Briix. Neil and Trudi got married in Zurich on July 25, 1965. During Neil and Trudi's married life, Neil continued to work overseas. During this time, they were fortunate to live in several countries: Saudi Arabia, Spain, Yugoslavia, Holland, and Switzerland.

After Neil's retirement, Neil and Trudi made the decision to return to Neil's hometown of Vici where they continued to live and farm, ElmDale.

Neil and Trudi were not blessed with children, but they opened their hearts and home to many pets (Rocky, Zigi, Bo, and Speckles).

Neil was preceded in death by his grandparents, his parents George and Gladys Briix, his infant sister Marilyn Joan Briix, brother-in-law, C.B. Brown, and Neil's wife Trudi 9-9-2015.

Left to cherish his memory is his sister, Linda Brown of Vici, OK. Three nieces, Marilyn (Tom) Welty of Leedey, OK, Karin (Ron) Tieaskie of Edmond, OK, Kimber Arthaud and kids, Tanner and Weston Bohard of Guthrie, OK. Nieces Susanne Aemisegger, Katharina Flury and husband Peter, Sylvia, and nephew, Christian.

Neil leaves behind his life-long friend, Buck Hutchens. Buck worked for Neil during the summers as part-time help, and after Buck graduated college, Buck worked full-time for several years at Neil and Trudi's farm. They share many memories together: raising cattle and growing wheat and alfalfa.

Neil also leaves behind his "angel," long-time caregiver, heart-adopted daughter and best friend, Aidreana Hutchens and her two boys, Ethan and Tate.

Neil leaves his "buddy," heart-adopted son, and good friend, Bill Key and his wife Leann and their families. Neil leaves little Addison Key, who visited Neil with her curly hair and who always brought a snack for Neil.