Nora Lee Neeley

Nora Lee Neeley of McKee, Kentucky, passed away on March 12, 2026, being 86 years of age. She was born Nora Esther King on August 3, 1939, to the late Hattie Moore Stevens and the late Delbert King. Her father called her "Nora Lee" and it became her moniker for life. Nora attended Tyner High School, graduating valedictorian of her senior class. She married the late Bradley Combs and had three children, Nicholas (Nicky), Carolyn Sue, and Patricia. She was widowed at the age of 23. She then married the late Dwight (Tooter) Neeley and had a son, Mikel. She was widowed for a second time in 1986.

Nora Lee was an exceptionally gifted seamstress and tailor. She created costumes, cheer uniforms, and even wedding gowns. She could alter the most intricate formal gowns, and her work was widely regarded in the county.

Nora Lee also had a passion for playing softball, dubbed "The Queen of Softball" by one newspaper article. She played and pitched in community leagues until her 60s and was inducted into the Kentucky Softball Hall of Fame. It was an outlet for her as she cared for her disabled son, Nicky. She was Nicky's devoted sole caregiver until his passing.

Nora Lee was of the Christian faith, a longtime Cincinnati Reds fan, and she absolutely loved to mow the grass. She was known for her outgoing nature and humorous quips. She was a friend to all and beloved in the community.

In addition to her parents and her first and second husbands, she was preceded in death by her son Nicholas Combs in 2008 and by her daughter, Patricia Sandlin, in 2009. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Carolyn Sue Smith, and son-in-law, Norman Smith, son, Mikel Neeley and daughter-in-law, Judy Neeley, three grandchildren, Justin (Ruth) Sandlin, Joshua (Lashei) Smith, and Lacey Smith, and seven great-grandchildren, Ella, Patrick, Jackson, Alyson, Anderson, Lincoln, and Riley.

A graveside service for Nora Lee will be held at the Stevens-Neeley Cemetery beginning at 2 P.M. Sunday, March 15, 2026, with Bro. Josh Smith and Bro. Brad Stevens presiding. Pallbearers include, Justin Sandlin, Patrick Sandlin, Marty Sandlin, Kyle Davidson, Cecil McKinney, Brad Flannery, Jackson Smith and Josh Smith. Honorary Pallbearers include, Jamie Byrd, Norman Smith and Archie Gray.

Lakes Funeral Home oversaw arrangements. www.lakesfuneralhomemckee.com