Clarence Edward Neely

Clarence Edward “Ed” Neely, of Little Rock, was born at home on 2818 W. 15th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas on October 6, 1922. He passed on Valentine’s Day, 2018, the anniversary of his wife’s birthday, in Atlanta, Georgia. Married for 64 years, Juanita Boyles Neely passed before him on January 1, 2011. His parents, Marie Grambling Neely and Samuel Butler Neely and two brothers and one sister preceded Ed in death.

Ed and Juanita had one child, a son John Edward Neely, married to JoAnn Swan Neely for 49 years , they now reside in Atlanta, Georgia. Ed’s only grandchild, Mark Hamilton Neely, also of the Atlanta area, is married to Michele Joy Neely. They have two daughters, Isabel (11) and Katie (9).

Ed graduated from Little Rock Senior High, (Central), in January 1941. He later attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock for specialized training. Two years later, in January 1943, Ed joined the 8th Army Air Force, serving three years at Martlesham Heath near London, England. Returning from overseas in late January, Ed married Juanita Boyles in North Little Rock on February 8, 1946.

Employed by the Timex Corporation at the Little Rock Airport for 31 years, Ed served as Payroll Manager from 1951 until December 2, 1982.

Ed continued as a member of the Little Rock Aerie No. 60 Fraternal Order of Eagles in Little Rock till his passing. Joining in May 1970, he was an active member until he moved, initially to Nashville, Tennessee, then to the Atlanta, Georgia area, to be close to John and JoAnn. His passion for cards, particularly poker, never diminished; just three days before Valentine’s Day, it was still his favorite activity.

Since fall 2012, Ed was a resident of Belmont Village Senior Living in Atlanta. He loved and was loved, by staff and residents alike. Always helpful to others, he called Bingo games, delivered resident packages, and his favorite task, gave away toys and stuffed animals to visiting grandchildren and great-grandchildren. On Valentine’s morning, just before passing, he gave out heart necklaces to lady residents and staff and wished them a Happy Valentine’s Day.

Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 19, 2018 in the chapel of Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth, 5800 W. 12th Street, Little Rock, AR 72204 with Rev. Larry Ballard officiating. Interment will follow at Edgewood Cemetery in North Little Rock. Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. Monday until service time at the funeral home.