George F. Neely, Jr., age 79, of Jackson, Tennessee, passed away on Monday, August 26, 2024, at Maplewood Healthcare in Jackson, surrounded by his loving wife, Janet.
He was born May 11, 1945 in Jackson, Tennessee, son of the late George F. Neely Sr. and Bernice Powell Neely.
George dedicated his life to education and spent many years shaping young minds. George's career in education was characterized by a wide range of experience and service. He began his professional career as the assistant principal at the former Northside Middle School, where he also served as the girls' basketball and football coach. His passion for educational leadership culminated as the principal of Nova Elementary School, a position he proudly held for 16 years. His dedication to his students and staff was further accentuated by his pursuit of knowledge, which led to him earning a master's degree, reflecting his belief in the power of education.
Although work was an important part of George's life, he also found joy and comfort in farming. He embraced farming as a second career, often finding solace in the lap of his tractor, riding through the fields and soaking up the simple pleasures that life had to offer. Known for his quick wit and gregarious personality, George had an incredible ability to bring smiles to those around him and built a lasting legacy of warmth and friendship among his friends and colleagues.
George is survived by his wife, Janet Smith Neely, two loving daughters, Ella Neely and Beth Neely, and son, Butch Yates and his wife, Katrina. He is also survived by his brother, Grady Eugene Neely and his wife, Elizabeth, sister-in-law, Kim Eckhart, and sister-in-law, Sid Harris and his husband, Raymond. George was preceded in death by his loving parents-in-law, George Rogers Smith and Ella Janet Smith, and brother-in-law, Bill Eckhart.
service: A funeral service celebrating George's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at Ararat Baptist Church with Rev. Brian Morris officiating. Burial will follow in Ararat Cemetery.
The family will receive friends and relatives on Thursday, August 29th, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at the church.
George F. Neely Jr. will be remembered not only for his contributions to education but also for the love and kindness he shared with those he touched, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Arrington Funeral Home, 148 W. University Parkway, Jackson, TN 38305, 731.668.1111 or arringtonfuneraldirectors.com