Harry Eugene Neely

Harry Eugene "Gene" Neely Jr., 67, passed away Wednesday, May 12, 2010. Gene was born in Rock Hill, SC April 3, 1943 the son of the late Harry Eugene Neely Sr. and the late Martha Neely Neely. He graduated from Erskine College in 1965 and the University of Georgia Athens with his Masters in Middle School Education. He retired after thirty years as a teacher, coach and middle school principal at Lewisville Middle School. After retirement he was a representative for I.D. Concepts. Gene was a member of Neely's Creek ARP Church where he was a deacon and elder. He was also a faithful member of Gideon's International. He served the Fort Mill Camp as a former president and was active in the Gideon's Prison Ministry. He was also a middle and high school basketball official for many years. Gene is survived by his wife Elizabeth "Betty" Black Neely; three daughters Jeanne Neely Bell and husband Paul of Due West, SC, Kristen Neely Gordon and husband Mike of Greenville, NC, Ashley Neely and fiancé Drew Carlisle of Rock Hill; two sisters Judy Neely Zeldin and husband Burt of Arcadia, CA and Christie Neely Caveny and husband Herb of Rock Hill; an aunt, Peggy Neely White of Rock Hill; and five grandchildren. Gene loved the Lord deeply and wanted everyone to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ. The family will receive friends from 5-7pm, Friday at the Bass-Cauthen Funeral Home. A service to celebrate the life of Gene will be held at 11am Saturday at Neely's Creek ARP Church with the Rev. Dr. Heiko Burklin and the Rev. Dr. Allen Derrick officiating. Internment will follow in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to Neely's Creek ARP Church 974 Neely's Creek Road Rock Hill, SC 29730, or the Gideon's International care of the Fort Mill Camp P.O. Box 314 Fort Mill, SC 29716.