Ray Neely, 85, of Russellville, passed away Thursday, March 15, 2018 at the Hospice House of Southern Kentucky in Bowling Green. He was a Logan County native, born Dec. 4, 1932 to the late Ray M. Neely and Roxie Anderson Neely. Ray was a member of Auburn Pearce Memorial United Methodist Church for 76 years, where he was a former teacher, member of the choir and the Official Board. He was also a member of The Gideons International and was a member of the Auburn Masonic Lodge.
Ray was a 1951 graduate of Castle Heights Military Academy, Lebanon, Tenn/ and a 1954 graduate of Western Kentucky University with a B.S. degree in agriculture. He was also a member of the Pershing Rifle Military Fraternity at WKU.
He was a Director on the Federal Land Bank Board, the Pennyrile Farm Analysis Board and the Logan County Farm Bureau Board. He was a charter member of the Auburn Rural Fire Department and Ambulance Service.
Ray was employed two years by the Soil Conservation Service and was a self-employed farmer for most of his life. He was a broker with Shaker Realty and Auction Company and a member of the Logan County Board of Realtors for 30 years and retired broker from Thoroughbred Realty in Guthrie.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Sally Price Neely; his son, Bryan Neely and wife Samone of Nashville; his daughter, Susan Lyn Blanchard of Russellville; his brother, Bobby L. Nelly and wife Sue of Russellville; his grandchildren, Savannah Hendricks and husband Jason of Auburn and Nelly Pesognelli Petrie and husband Robert of Port Angles, Wash.; and his great-grandchildren, Audriana Gayle, Isabella May, McKenzie Summer, Scarlett Randy-Ray and Penelope Kate.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Rex Wood Neely, and three children, Charles Edward, Debra Ann and Nancy Louise Neely and his son-in-law, Michael Blanchard.
Graveside Services for Ray Neely will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 18, at Maple Grove Cemetery with Pastor Beth Fiss officiating. Visitation will be held at Summers, Kirby and Sanders Funeral Home on Saturday, March 17, from 4-6 p.m.
Memorial donations may be made to Auburn Pearce Memorial United Methodist Church, The Gideons International or Hospice of Southern Kentucky. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and the graveside service.