James Ray McNeely

June 20, 1933 - October 18, 2014

OBITUARY CLAXTON: James ‘Ray’ McNeely, Sr., born June 20, 1933, in Candler County, Ga., passed away October 18, 2014, in Bulloch County under the care of Ogeechee Area Hospice. He was a member of Rehoboth Baptist Church and American Legion #60. He served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. In 1957 he was Chief of Police in Metter, Ga., and at that time he was the youngest police chief in the State of Georgia. After that he served as policeman in Glennville, Ga., and Deputy Sheriff in Tattnall County. In 1962 he moved to Claxton where he served as Chief of Police and as Evans County Deputy Sheriff. He retired from Georgia Department of Corrections with 26 ½ years of service. Ray was a quiet man who loved his family very much and was proud of each one. In his last days he was very sick but never lost his faith. He has now found the peace he searched for and he doesn’t need to worry anymore. God takes care of everything and everyone in his own time. Ray will be missed very much by his children, but, not as much as “Mamer” will miss him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert H. and Ola Lee McNeely; brothers, Luther Edenfield and H.J. McNeely; sisters, Minnie Lee Strange and Alice McNeely; and grandson, Daniel McNeely. SURVIORS: his wife of 58 years, Leonell W. McNeely; two sons, Jimmy (Gail) McNeely of Claxton and Joey (Paula) McNeely, of Hagan; daughter, Jennifer (Eddie) Stephens of Register; grandson, Jay (Casey) McNeely of Hagan; granddaughters, Leslie (Josh) Braun and Kristin McNeely, all of Hagan; two great-grandsons, Mason and Owen McNeely and one great-granddaughter, Lilly Kate Braun, all of Hagan; and several nieces and nephews. VISITATION: Tuesday, October 21, 2014, 9-11:00 a.m., at Rehoboth Baptist Church. FUNERAL: Tuesday, October 21, 2014, 11:00 a.m., at Rehoboth Baptist Church. BURIAL: Lake Church Cemetery, Metter, GA. REMEMBRANCE: Ogeechee Area Hospice, 200 Donehoo St., Statesboro, Ga., 30458. ​ Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home in charge of arrangements “Our Family Serving Your Family” “Since 1917” (912) 739-3338 www.nesmithfuneralhome.com