Harold “Ray” Neely, 79, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at his home under the care of Hospice of Northeast Missouri.
Ray was born February 15, 1944 in Milan, Missouri, the son of the late Harold Monroe and Jessie Elizabeth (Spencer) Neely. He was also preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Bea and Clyde Cody. On May 27, 1966 in Kirksville, Missouri, Ray was united in marriage to Shirley Runnels.
Ray is survived by his wife Shirley of fifty-six years; two sons and daughters-in-law, Preston and Joy Neely of Fishers, IN, and Jason and Jessica Neely of Ottumwa, IA; one brother and sister-in-law, Rick and Susie Neely of Kirksville, MO; two grandsons, Nickolas and Calvin Neely of Ottumwa, IA; two granddaughters, Maddie and Lexi Neely of Fishers, IN; two nephews, Greg Cody and wife Velva of Kirksville, MO, and Brad Neely and wife Amanda of Council Bluff, IA; and one niece, Chrissie Beck and husband Eric of Cameron, MO.
Ray was a graduate of Kirksville High School with the Class of 1962. He served in the National Guard from 1964 to 1970 in Kirksville. Ray built, owned and operated Troy Mills Auto until selling it and retiring in 2014.
Ray loved fishing, hunting, woodworking, and completing his dream of building a log cabin home from the ground up where he loved spending time there with his family and friends. He was very devoted to his family and loved spending time with his grandchildren.
Ray was a faithful member of Mt. Salem Primitive Baptist Church of Atlanta, Missouri.
Public visitation will be held Saturday, February 18, 2023 after 4:00 p.m. with family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 19, 2023 at Travis-Noe Funeral Home with Elder Matthew Pearl officiating. Entombment will follow the service at the Maple Hills Cemetery Mausoleum in Kirksville.
Pallbearers will be Brad Neely, Nickolas Neely, Calvin Neely, Matt Meisner, Drew Meisner, and Derrick Rhoads. Honorary pallbearers will be Greg Cody and Grant Meisner.
Memorial donations in memory of Ray may be made to Mt. Salem Primitive Baptist Church or to Hospice of Northeast Missouri and may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.