Carl Jerry McNeely, Sr.

Carl “Jerry” McNeely, Sr. passed away peacefully in Hospice care on October 26, 2024. He was born in Hickory, NC, son of Carl and Bertie McNeely. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his daughter Tracie McNeely Perkins, his son in law Tommy Perkins, and his brother Lanny McNeely.

Jerry was a member of Greenlee Baptist Church. He was devoted to his family and his community, especially Pleasant Gardens. Jerry was a graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne College and Appalachian State University. He started his long career in public school education and administration as a teacher at Pleasant Gardens Elementary School in 1965. He served as principal at Eugene Cross and West Marion Elementary before returning to Pleasant Gardens as principal until his retirement. After retirement he returned to the classroom as a reading specialist at Glenwood Elementary. He was dedicated to his work with teachers and staff, and truly loved his students. Jerry was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, and a firefighter with the Pleasant Gardens Volunteer Fire Department. In addition to being a loving husband, father, and community leader, Jerry loved reading, hunting, fishing, and his dog Rosie. Jerry is survived by his wife of 59 years Hazel Wyatt McNeely, his daughter Kelly Renee McNeely, his son Carl Jerry McNeely, Jr. and wife Summer Worley McNeely, and his grandsons Zane Arden Perkins (Tracie), and Samuel Lee McNeely (Jerry). Also mourning his loss are his sister, Kathy McNeely Armstrong and his sister in law Evelyn McNeely (Lanny), and his brothers and sisters in law, nieces and nephews. Arrangements include a private viewing and interment for family. A celebration of Jerry’s life for family and friends is being planned and details will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Carepartners Hospice in Marion, NC or the Alzheimer’s Association.