Frankie Dean Neely

Mr. Frankie Dean Neely of Jacksonville, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior on February 7, 2024, at the age of 90 years, 5 months and one day. Frankie was born on September 6, 1933, in Caruthersville, Missouri to Charley Monroe Neely and Eunice Marie Neely. He was united in marriage to Erika Hannelore Neely on April 26, 1963, in Frankfurt, Germany and had three children, Mark, Patricia, and Sandra. At the age of 20, he joined the United States Air Force on November 16, 1953, to October 1, 1979, when he retired. After serving his country for 26 years he achieved the rank of Master Sergeant. After retiring from the Air Force, he became an education coordinator at the Little Rock Air Force Base, first for ASU Beebe then finished out his second retirement with Southern Illinois University. Frankie made the best life possible for his family. He loved so big and had the most contagious laugh and smile that would light up anywhere he was. His family was everything to him, always putting their needs before his own. His love for his God and Savior Jesus Christ is a true measure of his character. He loved his church family at Sylvan Hills First Baptist Church so much and I know his beautiful spirit touched everyone he met.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Erika Hannelore Neely; daughter, Patricia Lou Sobba; parents, Charley and Eunice Neely; brother, Charles Neely; sisters, Frances Cagle, Gladys Neely and Dorothy Sue Neely.

He is survived by son, Mark Edward (Pamela) Neely, granddaughter, Olivia Neely; daughter, Sandra Jean Neely; grandkids: granddaughter, Kristen Sobba Shadwick, husband Josh Shadwick; great granddaughter, Elaina Neely Shadwick; grandson, Eric Michael (Angelica) Sobba; great grandsons, Ian Michael Sobba and Eli Frank Sobba, and granddaughter, Samantha Brooke (Tanner) Gibson; and numerous other relatives and friends.

We feel truly blessed to have had the best dad ever, we love you more than words will ever express. Your loss will be felt immensely, but we know one day by God’s promise we will be together again to serve out most gracious God together in Heaven.

Visitation will be held Saturday February 10, 2024, at 1:00PM at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home on Landers Road in North Little Rock. A Celebration of Frankie Dean Neely’s life will be at 2:00PM with Bro. Keith Brickell officiating. Burial/Military Honors to follow at 3:00PM at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Memorial Park.