Charles Richard “Chuck” Neely was a West Point classmate, an H-1 companymate, and a dear and highly regarded friend. He was born on March 10, 1936 at Fort Benning, GA to Colonel Clarence and Myrtice Crosby Neely. Chuck was a pious and devout youngster, which foretold his future interest in becoming a servant of all things related to God and his followers. His military family was fervently Christian and instilled in the children the lofty values, morals, and ethics of its faith at an early age. It is understandable why young Chuck was to grow to adulthood with these principles and ideals firmly ensconced in his intellect.
As is typical of career Army families, Chuck and his siblings moved frequently from one Army post to another, leaving friends behind and making new ones at the next station. But this was not a problem for Chuck, as he was quick to adjust. In fact, he relished the opportunity to make new friends while staying in touch with previous ones, and he developed a large circle of good friends and acquaintances. Also, it provided an opportunity to attend different Bible schools with varied approaches to Bible studies, which was of much interest to him. He attended Thomasville High School for four years.
His interest in attending West Point came during his enlistment in the Army in late 1954. On applying for selection to attend the Academy, he was accepted and sent to the U.S. Army Prep School at Stewart Air Force Base, NY, studying there 1954-55. He entered West Point in 1955 to join the Class of 1959, But he struggled with academics and was “turned back” to repeat plebe year. So, he started again in 1956 when he joined the Class of 1960. I remember Chuck as very quiet, serious cadet who would do anything for a friend. He had a heart of gold, and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for a classmate. First Class year he was a cadet lieutenant platoon leader. He stood very high in aptitude for the service as there were only four lieutenants in Company H-1. Also, he gained the reputation as the unofficial counselor for H-1. Anyone with a personal problem could go to Chuck, who would listen intently and give expert, well thought-out advice. He was a natural therapist and very effective. All who sought his help were very grateful.
On graduation from West Point, Chuck served in the Army for four dedicated years, being promoted to captain. He served as an advisor to a Vietnamese battalion from November 1963 to November 1964 and resigned his commission in December 1964. He loved Army life and committed to the ideals of his alma mater expressed in the West Point motto: Duty, Honor, Country. He said of his time in the Army: “…I look back on my service with pride in my heart and satisfaction in my soul for the opportunity to contribute to such a worthy cause of massive proportions. A cause beyond oneself in defense of this great country. The soldiers I served with were fantastic, and I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity, in some small way, to lead them.”
Chuck answered his calling and became a servant of God for the remainder of his active life. Reverend Neely proved to be a compassionate and kindhearted minister. He gave freely of his time and energy and was dedicated to helping others with their problems and troubles. His early religious bent and affinity for counseling others now manifested itself in a desire to do good in the various Baptist positions he was destined to hold. He was ordained to the ministry on October 24, 1965 by Oak Level Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, NC. In June 1968, he received his Master of Divinity degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He then served as pastor of Oak Level Baptist Church for three years, Pavo Baptist Church for two years, Little Ochlocknee Baptist Church for 10 years, and Friendship Baptist Church for 10 years. After serving for numerous churches as the long-term supply advisor, he then offered his services as chaplain for the Middle South Georgia Soil and Water Conservation District, where he was named as Thomas County Soil Conservationist of the Year in 1991. For a time, he worked for the state of Georgia as a rehabilitation counselor and later as human resource provider (social worker) with Southwestern State Hospital. In 1974, he received a master’s degree in education in rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Georgia. He accomplished all these activities without interruption of his duties and responsibilities as pastor of the different Baptist churches.
Chuck’s wife, the lovely and talented Jeanne, stood by his side and assisted him in all his various projects. Together, they were able to accomplish so many worthwhile religious deeds. For 59 wonderful years of wedded bliss, they were only put asunder when “death do us part.” They raised two wonderful children: Kathy Dale, who, with her husband, Steve, resides in Valdosta, GA; and Calvin Neely, who, with wife Robbie, lives in LaGrange, GA. Chuck was so proud of his six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Chuck, my friend, it’s time to say so long. It’s been a good ride through life with so many accomplishments and good deeds to your credit. I’m sure you will be amply rewarded by the God you served so well. There is no one more deserving. In the words paraphrased from our Alma Mater, “Rest in Peace.”
— Alonzo L. Coose Jr., Friend and Classmate