Walter Richard Neely

Walter “Richard” Neely Sr, 76, of Harrisville, Mississippi passed away on June 28, 2022.

Richard was born March 24, 1946 to Walter D Neely and Eloise Marie Neely of Harrisville, Mississippi. The First of two children, Richard was always tinkering with various electronics and shortwave radios. After graduating from Harrisville High School, Richard went on to attend Copiah Lincoln Community College.

In 1965 he Joined the Army, later transferring to the Air Force and eventually retiring after over 37 years of service in the Mississippi Air National Guard holding the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. While in the Military, Richard served 3 tours in Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield and was also the First Sergeant for the 183^rd AES. He achieved numerous awards and decorations while serving his country and loved the 183rd.

Richard was in the bank equipment business for over 40 years. He started his career working for Diebold Inc. After his retirement from Diebold, he started his own business in this same career field, which he still owned up until the time of his death.

Richard married Patricia Neely in 1978. Combined they had three children, Walter Richard Neely Jr. (Rick), Sean Patric Neely, and Paul Randall Neely.

Some of Richard’s passions were, various types of electronic projects, ham radios, and computers. He enjoyed keeping up his property, taking care of his honey bees, and spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and relatives. He enjoyed volunteering at the Old Pearl Fire department. He worked part time for several Simpson County agencies helping with computer related issues such as security cameras and voting machines. If someone had a problem with any type of project, he was always willing help them come up with a solution, no matter how long it took him. Richard also served as Emergency Coordinator for Simpson County.

Richard was married to Patricia Joyce Neely, at the time of his death, His wife of over 44 years. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Walter and Eloise Neely. He was Survived by his sister, Brenda Sue Boggs (Tim Boggs), Nieces and Nephews, Scott Cooley (Amy Cooley) and Justin Boggs. His children, Walter Richard Neely Jr. (Kimberly Ann Reeves) Sean Patric Neely (Stefanie McClain Neely) and Paul Randall Neely (Bridget Phillips Neely) as well as his beloved grandchildren, Scarlett Marie Mitchell, Blake Daniel Neely, Sydney Ferguson Neely, Knox McClain Fairly, Jane Graham Fairly, Seth Richard Neely and Claire Hannah Neely.

Richard was a husband, a father, a grandfather, airman, community volunteer. He was loved by many and will truly be missed.  A memorial visitation will be held at Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence, MS on Friday, July 08, 2022 from 5:00 p.m.--7:00 p.m.