Harold Leroy Neely

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. – Harold L. “Bob” Neely, age 97, passed away Nov. 30, 2024, following a brief illness.  

He was born on May 26, 1927 in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, to Harold and Anna Neely.  

Mr. Neely was a longtime resident of Destin, Fla. He was a nearly lifelong Methodist and faithful servant of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. More recently he was an active member of Good News Methodist Church, Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. and Crosspoint, Niceville, Fla. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Mr. Neely was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 69 years, Danella Goff Neely, his parents and three sisters.

Mr. Neely is survived by his two daughters, Pamela Faison and her husband Herb of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., and Julie Little and her husband Charlie of Miramar Beach, Fla; and two sons, Robert Neely and his wife Sandy of Tallahassee, Fla, and Daniel Neely and his wife Sue of Cheyenne, Wyoming; as well as 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Mr. Neely honorably served his country for 22 years, enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1944 at the age of 17, and later earning his commission in the U.S. Navy, where he served 17 years as a fighter pilot before retiring as a lieutenant in the Naval Reserve. He went on to complete a successful 35-year career as a defense contractor with North American Aviation and Rockwell International.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Good News.Church, 4747 Hwy 98 W, Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that any donations be made in support of the wounded warrior organizations of your choice. 

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