James Kirk Neely

Kirk was born on August 22nd, 1941, to Oscar Hamilton Neely and Faye McLaughlin Neely. He had a long career working as a serviceman and in quality control at Piedmont Natural Gas, where he was awarded the very first President’s Award of Merit for his courageous service at the site of a plane crash.

He served as a volunteer firefighter for many years with Steele Creek VFD. He spent much of his free time enjoying camping, gardening, and farming. He was an avid NASCAR and John Deere fan.

In 1964, Kirk married Barbara and they went on to have two children, Donna and Debbie and eventually went on to have two grandchildren, Kaylee and Kyle. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Kirk was predeceased by his parents and his brother, William Jeep Neely. He is survived by his devoted wife, Barbara Wooten Neely; his sister, Martha Neely Freeman; his daughters, Debra Lynn Neely and Donna Neely Skinner (husband Steve); and his grandchildren, Kaylee Knight Skinner and Kyle James Skinner.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Steele Creek Presbyterian Church at Pleasant Hill, 15000 York Rd., Charlotte, NC 28278.