Lt. Col. Harold Lee Neely, Jr. USAF (Ret.)

Lee was born to Brig. Gen. Harold Lee Neely, Sr. and Matilda Jane Neely (nee McCain) in Memphis, TN on February 4, 1943.

He is survived by his son Christopher of Ft. Collins, CO, sister Jan Allen of Puyallup, WA, sister Mary Neely of Houston, TX, many nieces, nephews and cousins, and his former wife of 25 years Kathy Neely.

Lee’s father flew bombers and fighters in World War II. Being born into a military family meant moving every few years. The family was stationed at Air Force bases in Montana, Germany, Virginia, New York, Alabama, Illinois, Washington DC, Colorado and Mississippi. Being the “new kid on the block” didn’t deter Lee from making friends. As furniture was being moved onto new base housing, Lee was out knocking on doors asking if there were any kids to play with!

While schooling was traditionally through Department of Defense schools on base, Lee also went to a private school in Tennessee and ultimately graduated in 1962 from Washingtonville High School in Washingtonville, NY. He then chose the University of South Carolina to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the Air Force upon graduation in 1967. The Air Force immediately sent him back to school to be certified in Satellite Systems, Orbital Operations, and Integrated Circuits, for which he received a Masters Degree. His work consisted of programming satellites and rockets, all of which required a Top-Secret clearance. During that time he was assigned temporary duty in Viet Nam, acting as a Field Engineer for Security Police.

Upon returning to the states he pursued and earned a MBA in 1976. Lee retired from active duty in 1979 and served another 9 years in the AF Reserves. He was very proud of his 22 years of service in the Air Force and cherished the many friendships he had made. Following his active duty retirement, Lee was hired by Boeing in Seattle, WA, where he continued to put his satellite system knowledge and skills to work.

Also in 1979 he married Kathy, whom he had met in Bear Valley, CA while downhill racing for the USAF Ski Team. They were blessed with their son Chris in 1990. In 1992 Boeing relocated the family from Renton, WA to Highlands Ranch, CO. With Lee’s love of nature and the outdoors it was a perfect move. He especially reveled in our beautiful Colorado fall colors. After a career of 35 years in the field, which included contract work for Raytheon, it was time to really retire!

Lee’s days had always been filled with family, work and outside activities. As a child, Lee loved hockey and baseball. As an adult, he excelled in downhill skiing, shared his father’s love of flying by acquiring a private pilot’s license and often hitting the skies, traveled to several continents for hiking and backpacking, and led hikes for the Colorado Mountain Club. When Lee wasn’t skiing or hiking, his nose was always in a book – light reading such as Quantum Physics, String Theory or Black Holes. A true satellite systems engineer!

Lee and God were growing their relationship through Mission Hills Church and Cherry Hills Community Church, where he had many good friends who were a part of that endeavor. He went at it the same way he took on any commitment – all in with both feet and determination.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 18, 1:00 p.m., at Mission Hills Church, 620 SouthPark Drive, Littleton, CO 80120, followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider a donation to Wounded Warrior, Dumb Friends League, or Food Bank of the Rockies, all of which were important to Lee.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerchapelhill.com for the Neely family.