Neil was born October 12, 1957 in Winchester, Indiana, to the late Chalmer and Mary (Hampton) Vanata.
In addition to his parents, Neil was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Violet Hampton; and his brother, Terry Hampton.
Neil spent years as a food vender traveling from town to town working all the fairs and festivals.
Neil is survived by his children and their spouses, Robby and Shannon Grimes of Selma, Indiana, Kelly Grimes and Michael Johnson of Gettysburg, Ohio; siblings and their spouses, Patricia Grimes of Miami, Florida, Charles Grimes and Kathy McCarthy of Elkhart, Indiana, Scott Vanata of Union City, Ohio, John and Mari Vanata of Union City, Ohio; his ex-wife, Tena Richards of Greenville; four grandchildren, Emily Grimes, Jason and Logan Studevant, and Harlie Johnson. Neil also leaves behind a sister-in-law, Carol Hampton of Union City, Indiana, numerous nieces, nephews, his best friend Nick Chanos and his beloved cat Buckeye.
A Celebration of Life service will be held 7:30PM, Friday, June 30, 2017 at Oliver Floyd Funeral Home in Greenville with Pastor Arnold Winn officiating.
Family and friends may visit Friday from 6:00PM to 7:30PM at the funeral home.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the funeral home to help offset funeral expenses.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.oliverfloyd.com