Reverend Joseph Daniel (J. D.) Neeley, age 80, entered "In The Presence of Jehovah, God Almighty, Prince of Peace", on Saturday, June 26, 2010, after a brief stay in Bristol Regional Medical Center.

He was a native of the Benhams Community of Washington County, VA. He was born July 19, 1929 to his late parents, Rev. John Henry Neeley, Sr. and Ibbie Church Neeley. He was preceded in death by brothers, Clabe Neely, James Neeley, and John Neeley, Jr., and a sister, Irene Barker. He was a graduate of Valley Institute High School. Two years following his graduation, he was ordained as a Baptist Minister, serving many pastorates in the Lebanon, Watagua, and Holston Association, in the tri-city area.

He was a machinist for Sperry, Raytheon, and King Pharmaceuticals, where he retired in 1997. He loved growing and watching
nature through his vegetable gardens, floral gardens, and numerous fruit trees and berry crops. Another favorite hobby was constructing various songbird houses, and anticipating the yearly return of his purple martins for many years.

His happiest moments were moments of witnessing and testifying Jesus Christ as Saviour and King. In this passionate area of his life he was the Tennessee top Salesman for The Zondervan Corporation's study series,
"The Book of Life," in 1974.

He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 60 years, Agnes Ringley Neeley; one daughter, Kristie (Dwight) Kirk; one son Mark Neeley; and daughter-in-law Sharon Neeley. His seven grandchildren include Leah
Kirk, Thomas Kirk, Anna Kirk, and Joel Kirk; Jonathan Neeley, Matthew Neeley, and Erin Neeley. He is also survived by one brother, R. E. Neeley and one sister Opal (John) Peters.


In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to the National Parkinson
Foundation, Gift Processing Center, P. O. Box 5018, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5018 or the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 8th Ave., 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001.

The family would like to express their thanks to the 2nd, 4th floor and ER nurses of Bristol Regional Medical Center, NHC rehab 3rd floor personnel, Dr. David Thompson, Dr. Earl Wilson, and Dr. John Testerman. Special appreciation goes to Iva Waller and Charlotte "Charlie" Helton for health care.

The family of Rev. Neeley will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M., Monday, June 28, 2010 at Akard Funeral Home. His funeral service will follow at 7:00 P.M., in Akard Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Bob Jones, Craig Weatherly, and Layman Douglas Smith officiating. The Celebration of Life and Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, June 29, 2010. Pallbearers will be Grandsons and Granddaughters.

Email condolences may be sent to the family at akardfh@akardfuneralhome.com