Born in Hickman, Tennessee on November 30, 1930. He was the son of Millard Neeley and Lucy Neeley-Hopps. He was predeceased by his parents, brother Herman Neeley, and sister Geneva Neeley.
Robert is survived by his devoted wife of 27 years, Norma Atchacoso Neeley, his sons, Robert Charles Neeley Jr. (Sharon) , Christopher Neeley, Michael Neeley, Aaron Neeley : daughters Janet Neeley-Johnson (Charles), Susan Harris (Derwin), Elizabeth Williams (Walter), Carol Neeley and Heather Neeley.
He is also survived by his grandchildren, Walter Neeley-Williams, Curtis Ponton Harris, Anesha Cooper, Franchesca Johnson, Faith Ariel Harris, Kyle Harris, Kristian Neeley, Michael “Mac” Neeley and a great grandson, Zyair Harris.
Robert was a veteran of the United States Navy where he served honorably for 26 years and attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer (E7).
After his military career, Robert devoted 30 years to Civil Service at the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) where he worked as an Electrical Engineer supervisor. He was an invaluable part of his team and mentored many of his fellow engineers.
Robert was an avid outdoorsman who loved boating and fishing (offshore, fly- fishing and spade fishing) . He loved hunting during deer, as well as elk and bear, seasons. He was proficient in bow hunting , traditional shot gun, and black powder mediums.
He also enjoyed gardening, photography, computers and bowling.
He took pride in being a self-taught individual who far exceeded the expectations of his time.
A memorial visitation for Robert will be held Sunday, July 30, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home, 601 N Witchduck Rd, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462. A graveside service will occur Monday, July 31, 2023 at 10:00 AM at A. G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Rd., Suffolk, Virginia 23434.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kellumfuneralhome.com for the Neeley family.
