Name: Visitation for Aaron Albert Neely
Start: 2023-12-30T11:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-12-30T13:00:00.000Z
Location: Salisbury High School Auditorium

Aaron Albert Neely, age 81, of 580 Corriher Gravel Road, passed away Saturday, December 23 at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC.

Born November 14, 1942, in China Grove, he was the son of the late Henry Albert and Lois Davidson Neely. A 1961 graduate of Aggrey Memorial High School, Aaron went on to graduate from NC A&T State University in 1965. He received a Master of Science in Education degree from NC A&T State University in 1975.

Aaron spent 31 years as a much beloved social studies teacher, coach, and drivers' education instructor. He started his career as an educator and coach at Artesia High School in Hallsboro, NC. He joined the Rowan-Salisbury school system in 1967 at East Rowan. He later joined the Salisbury High School faculty in 1972, where he remained until 1990. He returned to East Rowan and retired in 1996. Post retirement he co-owned and “supervised” A Perfect Dress in China Grove.

He was a member of Millers Chapel AME Zion Church, served as a board member for the Rowan-Salisbury Sports Hall of Fame and was inducted as a member in 2014. He was named a Salisbury High School Coaching Legend in 2012.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Clara and her husband William Graber, brother Thomas Neely and niece Misty Carter.

He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 56 years, Brenda McEachin Neely; daughter, Aimee Neely of Winston-Salem; son, Aaron Andre Neely (Chaunte) of Mooresville; and dearest, treasured granddaughter, Brynn Neely of Mooresville; sisters, Katie Neely Carter (Paul), Fayetteville and Patricia Neely Perry (Vernon), Gastonia; sisters-in-law, Estella Neely and Rose Hill. He leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, co-workers, relatives, and friends.

Arrangements: Services will be Saturday, December 30, 2023 at Salisbury High School Auditorium with Visitation at 11:00 am and Funeral at 1:00 pm. Interment will follow services at Westlawn Memorial Park, China Grove. Reverend Martha Green, Officiating and Reverend Clarence Shuford, Eulogist.

Noble and Kelsey Funeral Home, Inc. is assisting the Neely Family. Online condolences may be sent to nobleandkelsey.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Salisbury Post on Dec. 28, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Aaron Neely

19 Entries

Rosie Marie Neal Thomas

January 19, 2024

My condolences to the Neely family. I did not know him but upon reading he was a graduate of Aggrey Memorial and I also attended Aggrey Memorial High School up until the 5th grade. My deepest condolences to you all.

Emma West Williams

January 12, 2024

To the Neely Family, I am deeply sorry for your loss. Aaron AKA Joe was a well renowned gentleman that left a loving family behind. He loved his family, students and friends. I have known him for a half century. My sister Estella was married to his brother Thomas. He left a great legacy that will live on and on. May God give each family member the strength to sustain you during this difficult time. Praying for you all. Rest in Peace Aaron Albert Neely.

Bill and Catherine Bare

January 7, 2024

I´m so sorry to hear about your gentle giant. I know from talking with you that you were his better half and he was yours. Everyone will miss him so much! Coach Neely was so respected and a strong ethical pillar in the community. My heart felt sympathy goes to you and your family at this time.

Jim Grkman

January 1, 2024

I had the opportunity to coach with coach Neely at Salisbury high school. He was a great coach but more a great friend. Aaron taught me more about being a good person and treating all people with respect. There never was a day that we didn´t talk and laugh together. His son Andre coached my son and he loved him. He was just like his dad. His family was always warm and welcomed you. We lost a great man. I loved some Aaron Neely. God got a good one. Jim Grkman
Jim Grkmann

Traci Burleyson

December 31, 2023

Oh Neely family...I'm so crushed to read this! We loved Mr Neely as much as finding the perfect dress on our shopping trips. It was never a complete visit unless he popped in to talk about agriculture or whatever else came up.

Lots of love from The Burleyson Family

Patrick, Traci, Macy, Carly and Jillian

John Bogans

December 31, 2023

My drivers Ed teacher played on his defense and he was my track coach. And he will always be in my heart.

Vernetta Hosch and family

December 30, 2023

My condolences to the family he will be deeply missed

Michael and Debbie Grissom

December 30, 2023

What a wonderful and kind man. Enjoyed having talks with our neighbor. Joe will be truly missed. Prayers for his wife (Brenda) and family.

Teresa Ramseur

December 30, 2023

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Carol Sutton McCombs

December 30, 2023

Prayers for the Family. Mr. Neely was at Salisbury High while I was there. He was also my Driver's Ed teacher. Such a caring person. He always had a Wonderful Smile for Everyone. God's Blessings

Gail Carter

December 30, 2023

Brenda, I was so sorry to see this. Aaron was such a good man and coach. Our sympathy to you and your family.

Ronald BRACEY

December 29, 2023

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Ronald Bracey

December 29, 2023

SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS PRAYING FOR YOU AND THE FAMILY

Bryan Corriher

December 29, 2023

Joe was a very special person and a wonderful neighbor and friend. We always enjoyed having conversations with Joe ove r the years and we all will be missed by us all.

Bobbie Jo Craver

December 29, 2023

He was a good and kind person. He was there while I attended East Rowan high school. Prayers for his family. God Bless U.

Teresa Richardson

December 28, 2023

We remember our dad, Stokes, talking about Joe and all of the fond memories he shared. I remember his beautiful smile and kind words especially when mom, Josie, was in her car accident. Brenda and Joe were so sweet to her. I know he will be missed. I pray the families strength in the Lord. God is carrying all of you through these difficult times.

We love you.

Teresa & Ale, Lena, Darrell & Nancy

Jennifer Chudzik

December 28, 2023

Peace to his beautiful family I had Mr Neeley at the end of his career in 1993 at ERHS. He was always smiling. Except when he was trying to be serious. Even then it was hard for him to hide his little chuckle. A legend

Sandra Bowles

December 28, 2023

My late husband Ed Bowles really enjoyed working and coaching with Aron ! Prayers for family!

Michelle Patton Leagan

December 27, 2023

I first got to know Coach Neely when he and my dad coached together at SHS. We spent lots of Friday nights at gatherings after games, all the coaches and their families. Later, he was my Social Studies teacher. I loved his smile, his stories, and what a good friend he was to my dad. I'm sure they are enjoying a great reunion. Prayers for his family.

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