Friends and family describe him as kind, generous, grateful, compassionate, dependable, and humble. He was a true southern gentleman who loved and cared for his family and enjoyed helping others.
The family honored his life at a beautiful private service at Sharon Memorial Park, which was officiated by Dr. Charles Wilson, with music provided by Jane Brendle, violinist, from the Charlotte Symphony.
Al was born in Rock Hill, SC on November 17, 1930 to Benjamin and Olive Neely. He attended Rock Hill schools. He was a proud Tiger fan who graduated with a degree in engineering from Clemson.
In 1954, he married the love of his life, Annie Alderman Neely, and they started their family.
Al joined the U.S. Army after graduation and completed the rank of lieutenant. Upon discharge, he began a fulfilling 40-year career and many friendships at Duke Power. He also earned membership into the Society of Professional Engineers.
Al and Annie enjoyed family life, taking their three children, Alesa, Ed and Alan, camping at the beach, skiing and fishing at Lake Norman, and traveling to destinations along the east coast.
Al especially enjoyed international travel and visiting his brother, Ben and family in MA. He was always eager to travel for deep-sea fishing and weekend hunting trips with friends and family.
The Neely family grew to include his children’s spouses: Greg Klein, Sharon Neely, and Gail Neely, all of whom Al loved as his own. Al adored spending meaningful time with of each of his grandchildren: Travis, Christopher, Dana, Kate, Ryan, Kevin, Jenna and Cara.
Al and Annie hosted special Boys’ weekends with fishing, boating, skiing, and swimming at Lake Norman. At Christmas, Girls’ weekends included shopping at South Park, while Al patiently waited for hours on any available mall bench. He enjoyed driving the girls to see Christmas lights, as everyone ate cookies that the girls made with their grandma.
He loved his grandchildren’s spouses: Audrey, Anne Randall, Mackie, Ashlyn, Jonathan and Michael and welcomed them as his own.
All of Al’s great-grandchildren: Cooper, Lauren, Tanner, Eliza, Caroline, Reese, Penny, and Haines brought special joy to his life.
Throughout Al’s life, he felt volunteering was important. He was a devoted member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary at Lake Norman, loved tutoring students at Piney Grove and Lansdown elementary schools, and tirelessly participated in community outreach projects with Duke Power Retirees, Habitat for Humanity, and with his friends from Providence Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Annie Neely of Matthews, NC; children: Alesa and Greg Klein of Matthews, NC; Ed and Gail Neely of Chapel Hill, NC; Alan and Sharon Neely of Summerfield, NC; and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Memorials to honor Al Neely’s life are requested to be sent to: Loaves and Fishes, 648 Griffith Road Suite B, Charlotte, N.C. 28217 (www.loavesandfishes.org)
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