James Curtis Neely

James Curtis Neely died peacefully at home on the morning of February 9, 2009. Mr. Neely was born on April 10, 1924, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Van Madisoneeely and Mary Pearl Chapman. Mr. Neely served in the US Navy as an Electrician's Mate during WWII and fought in the Pacific Theater aboard the ship the USS New Mexico. He was discharged from the US Navy in 1946. Oneecember 6, 1947, he married Lois Lorraine McKelvey of Shadyside, Ohio. They were married for 59 years until her death in May 2007. Mr. Neely and his wife were active members at First Assembly of God in Hickory, NC. Mr. Neely graduated from George Washington Uneersity in Washington, DC, in 1954, after which he enjoyed a successful maneement career as an Electrical Engineer. His career was capped off with a teaching position in Electrical Engineering at Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory NC where he taught for teneears and retired in 1988. James is survived by two daughters, Jo Anne Neely Clendening and her husband, Frank; and Jeanni Neely Sneer, and her husband, Ron. There are also seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife; and brother, Van Arvoneeely, Sr. A graveside service will be held at Catawba Memorial Park in Hickory, NC, on the morning of Friday, February 13, at 10:00 am. Visitation will be held at Hall-Wynne Funeral Home, 1113 West Main St., Durham, NC on the evening of Thursday, February 12, 2009, between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mr. Neely's memory to First Assembly of God, 1301 12th Street Drive, NW, Hickory, NC 28601. Arrangements are entrusted to Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. On-line memorials: www.hallwynne.com. Select obituaries.