Ronald L. Neeley

Ronald L. Neeley, age 81, of Shelbyville, Tennessee, passed from this life on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at his residence with his family by his side, following an extended illness. His remains will be cremated, and he will be laid to rest at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery at a later date.

Born on August 31, 1944, in Shelbyville, Ronald was the son of the late Hubert Strickland Neeley and Nell Gates Neeley. He retired from Yellow Freight after 22 dedicated years as a truck driver, and throughout his life he also drove dump trucks and hauled chickens. Ronald loved the rhythm of farm life as he was very proud of the family farm being deemed a century old, the freedom of cruising on his Honda Gold Wing, and above all, the joy of picking bluegrass on his mandolin and singing.

Ronald is survived by his children: Rhonda (Todd) Curabba of Ellijay, GA; Toby (Lisa) Hobbs of Shelbyville, TN; Melvin (Glenda) Neeley of Shelbyville, TN; Terrie (Andrew) Kelly of Clearwater, FL; and Doug (Melissa) Neeley of Shelbyville, TN. He is also survived by his sister, Freida Barnett of Shelbyville, TN.

He leaves behind grandchildren: Shelby (Matt) Odeneal, Aaron (Samantha) Neeley, Jacie (Hayden King) Neeley, Kristie (Ben) Brandon, DD (Todd) Knois, Zach (Amanda) Skeeters, Larry Skeeters, Joel (Daisy) Neeley, Abby Neeley, Izzy Neeley, Cody (Katie) Curabba, Kyle Curabba, Ashlee (Danny) Cassidy, Dalton Melton, and Lindsay Melton; as well as great grandchildren: Maddie, Logan, Delaney, Gracie, Brantley, Adlee, Lawson, Gavyn, Ashlynn, Zack, Katelynn, Gavin, Kadence, Jax, Sophia, Cooper, Lydia, Ava, and one on the way.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 6 PM on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, in the chapel of Doak Howell Funeral Home with Brother Clancy Burk officiating. A gathering of family and friends will take place prior to the service, beginning at 3 PM at the funeral home.

Doak Howell Funeral Home is serving the family.