David Alan Neeley, Sr.

David Alan Neeley, Sr., 75, of Benton, Tennessee, departed this life on September 28, 2023, at his residence.

David was born on August 16, 1948, in Mobile, Alabama to Millard Carrol and Wanda Jobe Neeley.

David grew up in Oakridge/Knoxville, Tennessee area attending Farragut Elementary School and graduating from Karns High School in 1966. After high school, he moved with his family to Acworth/Marietta, Georgia.

He worked at Southern Bell Telephone Company and attended Kennesaw Junior College (now Kennesaw University) where he earned an associate in science degree and business administration.

He then attended Georgia State College and was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Fraternity.   He was then called to service in the United States Marine Corps.

David worked for many years as a Filter Queen Distributor winning several awards being in the top (5) salesmen in the Nation. He spent (14) seasons at McMurdo Station in Antarctica working with the National Science Foundation.

David’s passion was being outdoors, fishing on the lakes, streams, and rivers. He was a River Guide on the Ocoee River for many years. As a side business, he sold sunglasses which earned him the nickname “Shades” to his friends.

David was always upbeat and friendly to everyone. He never met a stranger.

In addition to his parents, Millard Carrol, and Wanda Jobe Neeley he was preceded in death by his brothers, Michael Andrew Neeley, Mark Neeley; sisters; Pat Tyler, and Melinda Young.

David is survived by his former spouse, Patricia Neeley Greene (Canton, GA) and their children; Sheri Neeley (Troy) Shatus (Dallas, GA), David Alan Neeley, Jr. (Woodstock, GA); grandchildren, Megan Neeley (Brunswick, GA), Ethan Neeley (Japan) and Allison Shatus (Dallas, GA); sisters, Carolyn (Marty) Pilla (Florissant, MO), Shirley (Wayne) Garrett (Dallas, GA), Donna Miller (Woodstock, GA) and Janet St. John (Virginia / Washington, DC).  Several nieces and nephews also survive.

No services are planned at this time.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Donations may be made in David’s name to St. Jude’s Children's Hospital.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.