Kelly Stephen Neely passed away peacefully on November 10 at the age of 97. Known to all as "Steve", he was born on June 29, 1922, in Nashville to William Marvin Neely and Hattie Lillian Harrison Neely. Steve was preceded in death by his wife, Ina Claire (Sue) Booth Neely in 2006. He is survived by his daughters and son-in-law, Lil Neely Cook, and Betsy Neely (Jeff) Castleberry; 4 granddaughters, Jenni (Brooke) Holbert, Lacey Austin Cook, Ashlie (Blake) Fitzpatrick, Claire (Jason) Lockhart; and, 5 greatgrandchildren.
Steve was the oldest living graduate of Cohn High School, having graduated in 1940. After serving as an assistant to J. Percy Priest in Washington, D. C., Steve served in the — Air Forces in World War ll. After his discharge, he was employed by First American National Bank for 30 years. Upon his retirement at age 55, Steve became the Secretary—-of the Scottish Rite Bodies for 30 years. Steve was a member of Woodmont Baptist Church for 46 years where he served as a men's Sunday School teacher and deacon. In his younger days, Steve enjoyed golfing, hunting, and fishing with friends.
A celebration of life service will be held at Woodlawn from 10 to 12 with burial to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sue Neely Children's Fund at Woodmont Baptist Church or Alive Hospice.
