Pickens – Oliver A. Nealy, 85, husband of Dianne Essig Nealy, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 9, 2021.
Oliver was born in Pickens, a son of the late J. A. “Bunk” and Nathalee Sammons Nealy. He was a 1954 graduate of Pickens High School where he played on the 1952 State Championship Football team. After graduation at Toccoa falls College and his marriage to Dianne, he stayed in Toccoa and took over facilities management of the college and even served as fire chief of the college.
In 1969 the Nealy’s returned to Pickens and he joined the Pickens County Sherriff’s Department when Sheriff David Stone was elected. In 1974 Oliver followed his grandfather’s footsteps and became Chief of Police of Pickens, a position he held until 1981 when he was elected Pickens County Clerk of Court. He served as Clerk of Court until his retirement in 2000.
An active church worker, Oliver served as Minister of Music for 11 years at East Pickens Baptist Church and 20 years for Secona Baptist Church where he was currently an active member of all activities of the church and Men’s Ministry.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Dianne E. Nealy, his son, John Nealy (Sharon) of Pickens and his daughter, Katherine Davidson (Brian) of Pickens. Grandchildren include Jesse Nealy, Joseph Nealy (Shannon) and Jonathan Nealy and two step grandchildren. Also surviving is his sister, Sadie Lee.
Funeral services will be conducted 3 PM Thursday, January 14, 2021 at East Pickens Baptist Church with The Reverend Robert Bevill, Mr. Bart Turner and The Reverend Daniel Heeringa officiating. Burial will be private at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Secona Baptist Church, Vision Growth, 234 Secona Road, Pickens, SC 29671.
Covid-19 precautions will be in place at the service. Guests will be required to wear masks and practice social distancing.
A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardHillcrest.com
Dillard Funeral Home
Pickens, SC
