Johnathan Tyler "J.T." McNeely

Johnathan Tyler 'J.T.' McNeely, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2015, in Honolulu, Hawaii. J.T. was 21 years old. He was born on June 25, 1993, in Winter Park, FL. He was a member of the United States Navy and was stationed at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. He was hiking on the Pali Notches trail and fell approximately 50 feet, and passed away from the traumatic injuries sustained from the fall. J.T. spent much of his early childhood in Apopka, FL. The greatest aspect about J.T.'s life is his family. He had a deep love for each of them and his family was very close. Family vacations and frequent theme park trips were a highlight for the entire family. They loved the outdoors, and his adventurous spirit grew at an early age. He also had a great love for his church and youth group while growing through his teen years in Lake Wales, FL. The members of Trinity Baptist Church knew J.T. well, and his friends knew of his dedication to Jesus Christ. He was involved in the Church Choir, the Bible Quiz team, Puppet ministries, Outreach programs, Ushering, and just about anything that the church had to offer. He invited nearly every person he came into contact with at Lake Wales High School to come and be a part of his church. His impact on teenagers was wide-spread. He also loved attending summer camp at the Wilds youth camp in NC, as well as Camp Joy in Apopka, FL, where he was able to make lifelong friendships with teenagers and adults from many different churches. He also played basketball and was a member of the Cross Country team while attending Lake Wales High School, and he enjoyed playing Ultimate Frisbee with whoever would play. J.T. was currently pursuing his dream of serving his country in the United States Navy. He graduated Boot Camp in June 2012, and began his training at 'Buds' to become a Navy Seal. Due to an injury to his knee he was unable to continue that pursuit and began his schooling to become a Sonar Tech. He was stationed on the USS John Paul Jones. J.T. had a great sense of adventure. He lived believing that there was nothing that he could not do, and this was evident in each aspect of his life. It could truly be said of J.T. that he never did anything half-hearted, and his positive example that will live on through many.

J.T.'s survivors include his father, Glenn McNeely, and mother, Sheri McNeely of Lake Wales, FL; his brother, Cody McNeely; sister-in-law, Alyssa McNeely; and niece, Audrey Elaine McNeely of Shelby, NC; his sister, Courtney McNeely of Lake Wales, FL; his maternal grandparents, Richard and Sheila VanWormer of Gassville, AR; paternal grandparents, Glenn, Sr. and Patricia McNeely of Apopka, FL; fiance, Amanda Mercedes Arbuthnot of Lake Alfred, FL; as well as the Captain and Crew of the USS John Paul Jones; and the United States Navy.

Services will be held at the Central Baptist Church of Winter Haven, FL where the McNeely family are members, on Saturday, April 11, at 2PM with a reception to follow. Visitation will be held at Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home, 645 West Central Ave, Winter Haven, FL, on Friday, April 10, 2015, from 5 to 7PM.

There will be a graveside ceremony at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL, on Monday, April 13, 2015.

The time for this service has yet to be determined. -