RIP: Luther Paden Neeley

[JT Hammons]

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/dentonrc/name/luther-neeley-obituary?id=55249904

Luther Paden Neeley, 88, of Denton, Texas went to be with his glorious Savior Jesus Christ on May 31, 2024.

Paden was born to Hubert and Orthany Neely on September 1, 1935, in Hardy Arkansas. As an only child, he grew up as an active young boy in Hardy and then moved with his mom to Jonesboro, Arkansas, in his teenage years. This move - in God's great providence - set in motion an educational career and professional legacy that spanned six decades.

Paden earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting at Arkansas State University and was a Distinguished Military Graduate of their ROTC program. Paden then served in the National Guard and active duty during the Berlin crisis. Paden went on to complete both a Masters and Ph.D. in Accounting at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Notably, Paden was both the first and youngest (age 25) awarded Ph.D. in accounting at the university.

Paden came to Denton, Texas in 1960 and had an acclaimed career at the University of North Texas for over 40 years. He was recognized numerous times for his excellence as an educator. Paden authored numerous textbooks and materials in accounting, and was honored as a Faculty All-Star Teacher in 1967 and Outstanding Professor in the College of Business in 1975. To honor him, former students established a professorship at UNT in his name in 2006.

While teaching at UNT, Paden was the visionary and founding director of the Professional Development Institute, known as PDI across Texas and the nation. With Paden as president, PDI was a non-profit center providing career development programs throughout the US and around the world. Before retiring, Paden was a Vice President at the AICPA.

[UNTLifer]

Good man.  Little known fact that was not mentioned above, his daughter was my third grade girlfriend.