I was reminded today of Adam's death. We knew him from Bethel and, years later, he became our youngest son's IB Coordinator. Adam was always so encouraging to each and every kid thats life he touched. He advocated that with hard work and dedication they would all achieve their dreams. He was truly one of their biggest heroes. A few weeks ago, I sent that same son off to his first year of college as a sophomore.  It was Adam's guidance and reassurance that pushed him to reach for the stars and that's what he did. My only hope is that Adam knew just how many lives that he changed by just being himself. He will never be forgotten and will live on through every child that he every mentored.

Kelly, 
I am so very sorry to receive this notice today about your son. I can’t imagine the pain and grief you and your family are experiencing.  My prayers go out to you snd your family. May Our Lord rest his soul in His Heavenly Kingdom and comfort you.
Ted and  Drucie Papafil

It’s been 2 years and I still miss you! I still remember the impact you made in my life to this day. I’m a College Freshman now!! I completed IB like I said I would! I know you would be proud!! Rest easy ❤️

I know it has been two years since you passed, but I still remember the impact you made on my life in High School.  You always had a great way of putting things into perspective. You made class and learning enjoyable and I always felt heard.  

I know as teenagers, we would all get a little rowdy at times, but you always treated us with such respect and understanding. You were easily one of the best educators and humans I had the pleasure of meeting in High School. 

IB was hard and really tested us, but you always pushed us to keep going. I know many of us were fond of you and your jokes, the way you could ease the tension or stress we felt, and so much more.

I am always grateful to have met you and I wish you still had a change to impact more students. You will always be remembered by so, so many of us! 

I remember Adam when he was a little boy. He was a very bright, happy and cheerful kid. I am happy to see that he did become an accomplished, educated and amazing young man.He was taken from us much too soon. I am deeply sorry. to hear this news, but rejoice that he is with our Lord Jesus Christ. sending my prayers and condolences for the Newley family. 

Knowing Adam Neely and being taught by him was such a blessing. Myself and the friends that remain from high school have frequently and fondly looked back on our memories of him since we graduated from Hampton High. Every time he entered one of our classrooms to grill us about our CAS hours, we knew he meant business, but he always delivered with a smile. I attribute much of my success in high school and beyond to Mr. Neely's guidance and optimism. I wish I could thank him for it one more time, but I like to think that he knows how much his kids loved and appreciated him.

One of my favorite memories is riding around with him to the middle schools to help recruit 8th-graders for the IB program during my senior year at Hampton. I was so excited that he chose me and it was a genuine pleasure to spend time with him. It always was. I'm so glad to have known him. To the family, thank you so much for the great gift that was Adam Neely. He is so widely and deeply loved, and will be missed the same.

Rest in Peace. 

I came across this picture tonight and grieved.  I only knew and remember Adam the boy: curious, inquisitive, sharp. 

 Life is good,  but it is hard. We need each other. My condolences to the family - Alex and Aaron (I have you listed as Seth in the photo),  Rick, and Kelly. May God meet you and be a comfort to you in the days, months, and years ahead. You are not alone. 

I took this picture of you back in high school. You hated it honestly. But I’m glad I have it, especially today. 

I’m speechless and nothing I’ll write will be as good as you deserve. My favorite class was history, not English after all. 

You’re such a remarkable person. The amount of good you did and the amount of people you touched is absolutely astounding. You did whatever you could to make everyone’s day better. You told the most dad of the dad jokes. Your sense of humor was corny but honestly the best. You sparked my love for history and my desire to follow my dreams even if everyone else thinks they’re stupid. You made everything in this scary world relatable. Most importantly, you understood. 

High school was such a hard time. I didn’t know anything about myself, what I wanted to be or do with my life. I struggled so much with my mental health and it showed. 
In a time where I felt like that I was a failure because I didn’t follow a certain path or I didn’t want what everyone else wanted, you made me feel like I have a place in the world and that I matter. You made me feel okay. You made me feel like I’m important and that I’m more than just what my depression and anxiety tell me I am. 

The time that we met up for lunch years after high school is something I will forever cherish. It was a rainy Sunday afternoon. We met at Harpoon Larry’s and I was slightly hungover. I told you all the crazy amazing things I’ve done since high school. You told me that I looked genuinely happy and you were proud of me. I’ll always remember that and hold it close to my heart. 

Without you, I wouldn’t be here. I wouldn’t have made it. For that, I am forever grateful to have met you. The world is lucky to have had you in it. 

Thank you for it all. 
❤️

I was not Mr. Neely's student, but his positive reputation preceded him. My friends liked him for his sarcastic humor, his begrudging acceptance of 'the system', and his intelligence in the way he taught. It made me respect him without even having met him as someone in his class.  Nine years later, as I had become a teacher and began work at GCPS, I heard Mr. Neely was headed my way to work with me as a colleague. I sought him out at the beginning of the school year, and said hello. He saw me and said, "You're doing the Lord's work, Ms. Clark." He also got to observe me teach and gave me great feedback. Mr. Neely knew me and my reputation preceded me, all without us having a very strong relationship. I will be thankful for that and the comments and moments with him. 

Working in the Main Office at Gloucester High School, I interacted with Mr.  Neely a number of times during any given day.  I always appreciated his even temperament and never ending patience in any situation that might come his way.  He was always exceptionally kind, even in a difficult circumstance.  It was always "a great day at Gloucester High School" with Mr. Neely and to say he will be missed is a gross understatement.  I will always remember him with great fondness and am thankful for the short time I had to know him.  My deepest condolences to his family and those that love him... Please know he was one of those special individuals that really made a difference in people's lives.  

No words can describe the impact Mr. Neely had on so many of his students. My brother and I were lucky enough to experience how great he was. His light will continuously shine bright over us. 

“Just finish school Ms. Miles and everything else will follow” 

I was heartbroken to learn of Adam's passing.  We began our careers together teaching in the International Baccalaureate program at Hampton High, which he later went on to manage. He was a gifted educator, and he always had the best ideas to creatively engage students and build their critical thinking skills with even with the driest of topics. It was difficult work, but he made it look easy. He loved his students, and they loved him back. The impact of this loss is tremendous.

My deepest condolences go to the Neely family and all of Mr. Neely's students. I graduated from the HHS IB program in 2006, so I was lucky enough to be among his first students. There are a few things that stand out to me - attributes that I can try to espouse in his memory. 
First, he was a gifted teacher. His ability in the classroom was completely natural. 
Second, he was only about eight or so years older than my class. This made Mr. Neely a unique role model for what starting your career could look like. He wasn't afraid to live his reality - even if that meant sometimes we saw cracks in his professionalism. It was important for me to see that, and for young people to understand starting your career was hard, fun and unpredictable. 
Third, he was very transparent. Hand in hand with his developing professionalism, his honesty was sometimes arresting and always appreciated. I learned so much.
He knew I had my heart set on William and Mary (now my alma mater). I soaked up every detail about campus he was willing to share, even if that meant my classmates teased him about being a nerd. He exemplified what Greek life could be, and his experience was one of the many reasons I ultimately joined Kappa Delta (and then started my career at national headquarters). 
I am sad I didn't stay in touch with Mr. Neely. However, I adored being a student in his first classes. I wish he knew that. If I can share generously the way he did - be real, be honest - his lessons will carry on. Hark upon the gale. 

The McCarthy family was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of  Dr. Neely.   We hope you will take some small comfort in knowing that who he was will live on in the many students he mentored through the IB program over the years.  As a parent, it was obvious the IB kids were very much like a family by graduation,  with him at the head.  It is not an easy task to shepherd teenagers through H.S. years and IB does not make it any easier.  Dr. Neely saw them through with grace, picking them up when the stumbled and cheering when they succeeded. Several, like our daughter, went on to his alma mater, W&M.  Just this past June, his IB class of 2015 became college graduates themselves.  Hopefully, as they step out into the world, they will take the time to pass on Dr. Neely's gift to them to another.

May the memories of Adam and the love of family surround you and give you strength in the days ahead.


My condolences to the family.  I am just making the connection that Ms. Neely, my colleague from Forrest and Mr. Neely were related.  Mr. Neely was my son's IB coordinator and supported him throughout high school as he made major decisions. More recently I had the opportunity to be Adam's learning facilitator last year in coach training. He brought such insight and positivity to our 4 days together and I was able to get to know him as a person and a leader. I'm grateful for that time. 

Dr. Neely was an awesome human being.   He was the IB coordinator at Hampton and we the parents saw how much his students adored him.  He changed many lives with his warmth, humor and kindness.  He treated all of the students like they mattered.  He always had jokes during the IB meetings too.  He will be greatly missed.  My condolences to all that love him.  

I want to express my deepest condolences to the Neely family and to Courtney. I had the pleasure of working with Adam at Hampton High for five years and through the five years we became personal friends. Adam you inspired me as a young educator to be more for our students, your inspired me to be a better human and to always reach out a hand to a stranger. You were the first person I spoke to about going back to grad school and you wrote my recommendation letter for my application. I will always carry your words of advice and truly thankful for our friendship. Rest In Peace 

Adam always had a smile and a witty quip to share. I will miss his humor and his kindness. He put his heart and soul into his job, and the kids knew he cared. Love and light to his family and friends.

My sincere condolences! Adam was such a good and kind  guy! I remember him from Hampton High School as an excellent teacher  and as IB Coordinator for Hampton City Schools. Many prayers to all who loved Adam.

I'm sorry for your loss.
Adam Neely was a wonderful, dedicated person.
 I will miss him.
 Today and always, may loving memories ease your loss,  bring you peace, comfort, and strength.  Saying goodbye to someone we love is heartbreaking.
My deepest condolences to you during this time. 

" I am always saddened by the death of a good person. It is from this sadness that a feeling of gratitude emerges. I feel honored to have known them and blessed that their passing serves as a reminder to me that my time on this beautiful earth is limited and that I should seize the opportunity I have to forgive, share, explore, and love. I can think of no greater way to honor the deceased than to live this way.”  Steve Maraboli.

Mr. Neely was an inspiration to many throughout his time as a teacher and mentor at Hampton High, as well as beyond school. He was the one who made me feel like I could make it through IB and convinced me to join.  He was the one who helped me and was always there throughout my freshman year in pre-IB. Without him I don't believe that I would be in the IB program today. R.I.P, Adam. You will be greatly missed by many.

Kelly, I was very sorry to hear of your son’s
Passing.  There are no words to express for the pain you are feeling. May God rest his soul and grant him a place in Paradise 
. At this time May God comfort you and give you understanding and peace.
Ted and  Drucie Papafil 

Adam was a great man and touched the lives of many. He will be missed by all that knew him

Our family is deeply saddened of this news. Adam was an amazing guy, who genuinely loved every child that he mentored and had a true passion for education. We knew him from Bethel and then had the honor of him mentoring one of our sons at Hampton High in the IB program. He will be greatly missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family during this time.

This situation had the worst timing, happening 2 months after graduation from Hampton High School. Being an IB student for three years under Mr. Neely, my parents would meet up with him to discuss my experience in both the program and the school, he overall held great intentions in seeing me succeed. He helped give me ideas on what to do with my time in IB and how I can ease my workload. He is a very helpful man who cared for the students of Hampton High, regardless of whether they were in IB or not. For him to have passed away at 38 years old is still too soon. He was a great friend to his associates, as well as a fantastic mentor for the students of Hampton High. I could only send my appreciation to him as a former student of Hampton High by saying I, as an IB student, will miss him dearly.


Mr. Neely was one of my favorite high school teachers and a great inspiration. We always made jokes about me attending his alma mater, the College of William & Mary, which I did. Every time I came back to visit, he encouraged me to persevere and graduate. 

He made learning fun and always brightened the classroom with his humor and stories. He was a phenomenal teacher and an even greater person. He will be missed. 

Mr. Neely was definitely one of the most influential teachers during my time at Hampton High School. He tried his very best to keep a smile on his face even in the most difficult of situations. He gave me the ability to use what I learned in high school to get through college. I am forever grateful for him and the knowledge he passed down. Rip 💙

Dr. Neely’s smile and positive attitude was always present. He was a problem solver. My IB students loved and respected him.
I will treasure the memories of our interactions.
Jim Bresnan 

Mr. Neely was an amazing man. And was one of the only staff memebers I trusted in GHS. I will never forget when i was in tears in his room over family stress and he was the only one that seemed to understand me he constantly gave me advice that for once helped me he gave me personlly 50 dollars to help me and my mom so i can get my I.D to get my G.E.D that he recomended to me because of school issuses i accepted his advice cause i trusted him and he pushed me through and because of him i did it. I now have a job on a crab boat making 750 dollars a week at 17 and im saving up my money to go to Tradesmen School for HVAC if it were not for him i would have droped out at 18 but because of him i now have a future and for that i want to personally thank you Mr. Neely i wont let you down. R.I.P up there buddy. See ya soon

I have been truly sad about the loss of Adam Neely.  As I cannot attend the funeral service on Saturday due to a previously planned family event, I want to express my condolences to his family here.  Working with Adam at GHS has been a pleasure.  He met students and teachers alike with smiles but also with sincerity.  He and I spoke often about teaching strategies in AP English as well as other classes, and he was always enthusiastic and encouraging.  I appreciated how much he enjoyed being an educator.  He was a good man whose light and potential are gone too soon.   At GHS, we will remember that light.  God bless you all.

Dr. Neely taught my brother history in high school and was the IB Coordinator during my last years at Hampton High. I remember how happy he looked when he went from being a history teacher to leading the IB program at my school—he was full of smiles and good cheer and was a very likable person. He was a positive influence on many young people during his time at HHS. He will be missed by so many people.  

I attended a few meetings with Adam throughout his year at GHS and often saw him in the halls. He always had a smile on his face and connected with students and staff as he travelled through the school. He definitely was a positive presence to all who crossed his path.  Sending much love to his family and friends ❤️. He will be greatly missed ... And often remembered.

Like many others, my first encounter with Mr.  Neely was through the IB program. I have fond memories of his dry humor, bright smile and persistent motivation. I am praying for comfort and healing for all who are grieving the loss of a great man.

I worked with Neely at Hampton High for 10 years.  Every time I saw him he had a smile for me and I’d yell “Neely!” Down the hall at him and he’d say “Morning Graham.” Most of all, I remember him standing between Barkley and Wilson, as they were joking around and Neely just dying laughing. He always had a smile for everyone and he was a great colleague. 

I am so sorry to hear this news. Adam was a wonderful student in band and such a good kid. I’ve got great memories of Adam, hang in there Mrs. N.

Will be praying for family and friends! 

Butch Barnard 

i remember 8th grade year we were called to an assembly in the cafeteria to learn about a program at hampton high , and Mr. Neely was on stage talking about all the opportunities and experience you could gain from it. i was skeptical and honestly didn’t think it would be worth it but after a 5 minute talk with him i was convinced and got a form.  i brought it home , filled it out , and when the interview time came i was nervous and doubtful and ready to cry but he told me “there’s nothing to be scared of. i’m not supposed to tell you this kid, but you’re already accepted just based off your essay. you’re brilliant.” every time i saw him he would call out “hey tie dye how ya doing !” (he gave me that nickname because at summer bridge i wore a lottt of tie dye) and we’d talk about grades , classes , and even just things i was worried about. whatever it was he always left me feeling hopeful and reassured , he gave me confidence when i wasn’t feeling very smart , pushed me to get my grades up , and made sure i knew i was smart and that i could do it if i kept trying my hardest. he always had a smile on his face , always was interacting with us students , always wearing a sweater and ALWAYS had that sparkling water in his hand. he would even know my grades off the top of his head and if he saw me he’d stop me and say “your grades are better , good work” or give me encouragement to bring them up. he was the best presence at hampton high and the soul of IB and when he left we were all sad and disappointed. no matter how many interactions , i really wish we had spoken more. he is missed. junior years for you Mr. Neely. 

I worked with Adam at HHS.  My last year there, I taught IB Environmental Systems.  I was nervous to be teaching an IB course and constantly doubted myself.  But Adam had nothing but words of encouragement.  From working through paperwork to coming up with ideas on how to better engage students, Adam was there for me as a colleague and a friend.  My condolences to his family.  

I would like to send my condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Neely. I hope that you find a sense of tranquility and serenity in this traumatic moment. I hope that knowing how special Mr. Neely was to not only me, but the entire IB class of 2020, gives you some release. Mr. Neely made everyone he encountered feel important and valuable. Also, he was very down-to-earth. In a sense that even though he was the IB Coordinator, he would take time out of his day to stop by our classes often and see how we are doing.  He took the time to learn our names and make us feel special. And for that, he will always have a special place in my heart. RIP, to a great man who deserved the world. 

This is very sad and devastating 😔I worked with Adam for 7 years at HHS. He was a history teacher and then an IB Coordinator and always a great friend. He always had a smile on his face, ready to face any obstacle with humor and dedication. He loved helping his students. The time he gave to them really mattered. Helping others, seeing them succeed just seemed to light him up. I’m honored to have had the chance to get to know him. I send my sincere prayers and condolences to his family 🙏🏻💗🌹

Mr. Neely was a great help to my daughter during her freshman year at GHS. He helped her through a concussion and schedule issues. Just 2 weeks ago she met to talk with him about her schedule and he sincerely listened to her and talked to her honestly and openly about her concerns. We will miss you! 

Adam was one of the funniest people I had the pleasure of Knowing.  It truly was a delight each time I got to see him.  One of my favorite things to do was give that man a hug.  I know, it sounds strange, but he had the softest beard!!! 
I will cherish the joy and laughter he brought into my life and carry  his memory in my heart.

Mr. Neely brought so much light, joy, humor, and insight to every interaction he had.  In only one year, he became an integral part of the GHS community, loved and appreciated by students and teachers alike.  I can still hear him enthusiastically and genuinely calling down the hallways, “It’s a great day here at Gloucester High!”  This was every single day, without fail.  It takes a special person to make such a powerful impact on so many, and his impact will not be forgotten.  It is present in the students and teachers made better by his grace.  We are all grieving this tremendous, ineffable loss, and I hope you can find some degree of peace with time.

Adam Neely was a great supervisor and colleague .  It was an honor to work with him.   I will miss seeing and talking with him.  Thoughts and prayers to his family,  Adam was a great person 

Mr. Neely will be dearly missed at GHS.  He was a great supporter of teachers, and always wanted students to strive for success.  I am at loss for words. I pray for peace, love, and comfort for all family members and friends. 

I was a student of  Mr.Neely at Hampton High. He was super relatable and always taught history in the coolest way. One of my favorite memories was when he allowed us to recreate scenes in history with our group. I loved and I remember seeing him in his chair laughing at our reenactment.  Years later, I ran into him at an event that would be eventually become my future job. We talked about and caught up and he was glad to see his students traveling and living their best life. I see him regularly at my current job and it was always so nice to see him. I will miss seeing Mr. Neely. He really cared about his students and stood by them no matter what. He wasn't just a teacher but he was a kind friend that kept in touch and had a HUGE heart! I will miss you. RIP Adam Neely!

My deepest condolences to the Neely Family, Courtney, and her family.  Adam was a great friend and mentor.  His genius was on display in every interaction I had with him.  In school, at the poker table, the comedy stage, road trip, back deck, the list goes on.  I will greatly miss his friendship and the joy he brought just being in his presence.  My heart and prayers go out to the families, Courtney, and to the education community that was blessed to have been touched by his knowledge and experience.   You will be missed Adam. 

I had retired when he came to GHS but he and I along with others worked with a young man to get him focused in the right direction. He had a genuine Love for Donovan but to get him back in school this 2019-20 school year. He succeeded in getting that done along with other RASP school staff.
We often ask why but God knows best. His ways are above our ways.
Glad I had a chance to work with him in helping our youth refocus. 
God Blessings to his family.

I have had the pleasure of watching Adam grow from a young boy to a man living across the street from me as a neighbor.  The Neely's are one of the finest family's I know.  It is with great sadness of losing such a remarkable young man so early in life.  May we all learn and practice what Adam lived each and every day.  Put kids first.  May each family member and young person share love, support and understanding to one another as Adam did.
My heart felt love and prayers are with each of you during this time.

In Gods Name,

Denise Fitzgerald


Adam was my mentor, confidant, and most importantly, my friend.

Mr. Neely only worked with us at Gloucester High School this last school year, but he made an absolutely incredible impact.   His uplifting encouragement was amazing.  Even though he was our boss as an Assistant Principal, he never seemed threatening or harsh.  He always had kind things to say, offered new ideas, and lots of genuine praise.   Even though he had a million things to do, he took time out to really listen to his teachers and students.  I will always remember him with his sweater over a dress shirt and tie - even when temperatures were high, he remained professional.  In his short time with us, he captured the hearts of so many Gloucester teachers and students with his warm demeanor and huge smile.  His death is a devastating loss for our school and community. 

Adam and I worked together and often spent time chatting both personally and professionally. He was a true pleasure to be around, and I missed him greatly when he moved on from Hampton City Schools. In reading comments here and on social media, it is evident how very many lives were enriched by Adam. For all who are grieving as I am in the loss of a good friend, I wish you all peace and healing. I know that's what Adam would want for us all. 

Mr. Neely was one of my most influential teachers when I was in high school. I was never good at history, but he found ways to talk about it so that we could all find grounding in his lessons. He was funny, always lent a listening ear, and helped me navigate high school, preparing me for the reality of college through his whit. His care for his students radiated. His care for IB and Hampton High School was evident in how he moved. It truly broke my heart hearing about his loss. I pray for his family, friends, his wife, and all of those whose hearts he touched. Thank you for your service and your jokes Mr. Neely. Rest in Love. 

Mr. Neely was one of those teachers that you never forgot. He understood how the system worked and was very up front in what parts made sense and what didn’t. He was always someone that I could go to when I had questions not just on my assignments, but also on life. At any point, he was a confidant and when I graduated he became a friend. The world is a little less brighter without his Dad jokes. He will be sorely missed.

Mr.Neely is the reason I’m even in IB and continuing with the program. I remember my Pre-IB interview, I wore lipstick for the first time I could not have been more nervous. Mr.Neely told me I would fit in perfectly within the IB program and when ever I would see him in the halls he would always tell me to just keep on pushing and that I would do fine at Baylor, Howard or whatever university I wanted to go to. He will be dearly missed. :(

It is with fond memories when I think about Adam during his high school and college years.  He will be missed. He spent some time visiting at my house.

Mr. Neely was my history teacher when I started the IB Program at HHS. He was rather new to teaching and you could always tell that he was trying to be the best teacher for us with what he knew and was learning.. We were also new to the program, so it was kind of like we were all growing and figuring it out together.

I still remember some of the funny conversations and moments that happened in his class; especially the song I wrote/musical performance that I gave during one class presentation that caught him completely off guard haha.

Mr. Neely was a great man, preserved by great memories in my life.
I am praying for his family and speaking peace and understanding in their time of bereavement and need.

- Frankie J.

I’ll never forget joining the Hampton High faculty and seeing Adam, a former student at Davis Middle turned colleague. It was a first for me and I couldn’t think of a better person to experience that with. He had such a sweet spirit. ❤️😔 RIP, Adam. You will be greatly missed by many.

Even before Hampton High mr. Neely was the interviewer for the students to be considered for joining the IB program, as a nervous eighth grader his warm smile and kind demeanor made the process natural and made me feel better and less concerned about it. He was able to make every student he came in contact with feel special by remember our names and just always passing on an encouraging message when we all looked stress. I hope he will be proud of us and that his memory will constantly encourage everyone during this tough time.

Mr. Neely was the main reason I joined the IB program. He was very kind and supportive with every step, assuring me that I could, just as he was with every student. He genuinely cared about each and every one of us, lighting faces up when he was seen in the halls or in classes. We are all very lucky to have been able to see just a small part of how incredible he was. Without him, I would not be where I am today and would not have the incredible experiences I have gained from IB, as well as the family. I am incredibly grateful for all he did, and I can’t thank him enough. I hope his family stays strong, you are in my thoughts. Thank you, Mr. Neely. Rest in piece. 

Mr. Neely was influential in my short period at Hampton HS. He was the kind of guy who you knew genuinely cared about you, and as an incoming high schooler, it made all the difference. I wouldn’t be where I am today without Mr. Neely’s help and support, and there’s nothing I’d love more than to thank him one last time for everything he’s done for me. Rest in peace. 

My favorite memory of Mr. Neely was when he called me his favorite freshman. I felt so special and from then on out I knew that he would be someone I could go to. He cared so much about us and wanted us to succeed. He was someone that you could go to about any and everything.  Everyone always had something nice to say about him. Mr. Neely always uplifted us and gave us second chances and I believe that I am here today partly because of him. My condolences go out to his friends and family. Keep your head up! You'll be in my prayers. Rest in Peace Mr. Neely, you will be missed! 

I remember his face being the first one I saw walking into my first year of high school.  I remember him pushing all of his students to the best that we could be. He always made sure that we all felt safe and got the attention we needed with school. You always encouraged everyone to be the best we could possibly be and he made sure that we will succeed not only in school but in real life too. You always made us feel like IB was doable. Thank you for pushing us to stay in ib knowing it was the best decision for us. Thanks for all of the laughs, jokes, hope, and happiness you brought to our hearts and to Hampton High. Thanks for being the heart of IB <3

My favorite memory of Mr. Neely is hard to state because every encounter was a good one. At the end of my freshmen year I remember going down to his office just to talk to him. He was so open and funny, caring and motivating. There’s never been an administrator that genuinely cared about our mental health and just us as a whole as Mr. Neely did. Anytime I would see him in passing it was either a fist bump or a high five. I’m so grateful to have gotten to experienced such a loving soul on earth. I wish I would’ve told him more how great he was and thank him for always being so funny and just being there.  It hurts to know that we’ll never get to have that hypothetical drink at the bar together but I hope where ever he is, he is at peace. 

I met Mr. Neely when I was in 8th grade when he interviewed me to be in IB, that’s how a lot of us met him. He was always encouraging and joking around with us and he was just a nice person in general. I am extremely grateful that I was blessed to meet someone like him because even though we doubted ourselves sometimes or felt like something was too hard, he would always keep pushing us no matter what. Mr. Neely will be deeply missed by myself as well as everyone else that knew him. ♥️

He was always about the kids..."Kids First"
His bright smile and positive attitude will be missed.

OBITUARY

Dr. Adam Steven Neely

February 21, 1981 – August 10, 2019

Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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