Raymond Neely, age 51, died Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at his home in Water Valley, MS. He was born September 21, 1961 in Coffeeville, MS to the late Fred Earl and Irma Gee Neely. Raymond was employed as a truck driver for the City of Water Valley until he retired due to health reasons. He was a faithful and active member of Spring Hill North Church in Water Valley, MS where he served as Choir President, was a member of the Usher Board and cared for the church lawn. Raymond enjoyed playing dominoes, working on vehicles, fishing, eating good food and spending time with family and friends and he dearly loved his granddaughter, Mackenzie.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm on Thursday, January 31, 2013 at Spring Hill North Church in Water Valley, MS. Funeral services will be held immediately following the visitation at 1:00 pm at Spring Hill Church with Pastor Sammy Townes, Pastor Mitchell Steen and Pastor Amos Sims officiating. Burial will be in the Green Goshen Cemetery in Yalobusha County, MS with Deke Spearman, Keith Turner, Frank Belcher, John E. Robertson, James Johnson, Reginald Campbell, Michael Gooch and Lavert Hawkins serving as pallbearers.
Raymond is survived by his wife, Janet Campbell Neely of Water Valley, MS; five daughters, Rosamond Chanel Neely of Peoria, IL, Tameika Neely, Candice Camille Neely, Mandy Thompson, and Salanthia Cooke all of Water Valley, MS; three sons, Raymond Neely, Jr., Deontarius Neely both of Water Valley, MS and Roger Thompson of Oxford, MS; six sisters, Mable Hervey (Gary) and Stephanie Herron (Jermaine) all of Water Valley, MS, Frances Neely and Dollie Pierce both of Peoria, IL, Eve Reed of Detroit, MI and Hazel Wright of Milwaukee, WI; four brothers, Junior Neely (Geneva) and Carl Neely all of Water Valley, MS, Tyrone Neely of Peoria, IL and William Bernard Mister of Coffeeville, MS; one granddaughter, Mackenzie Willingham and two grandsons, Kameron Sayles and Ja’Kory Thompson.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Stella Neely and Mary Neely and one brother, Alfonzo Gee.