James “Jim” Neely

James “Jim” Neely, age 78, of Cornelia, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, August 19, 2016, following an extended illness.

Jim was born on August 5, 1938, in Allred, Tennessee, to the late Minnis W. and Alberta Looper Neely. He was a United States Army veteran and retired self-employed car dealer. Mr. Neely was a member of American Legion Post #16 in Cleveland, Georgia. He was also a member of Mud Creek Baptist Church.

Survivors include wife: Laura “Sissy” Herrin Neely, Cornelia; daughters: Trina Neely and Marisa Neely, both of Tennessee; stepdaughters: Crystal Herrin, Cornelia and Melinda Church, Mt. Airy; sister: Gail Jackson, Monterey, TN; and five grandchildren.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 pm on Sunday, August 21, 2016, at Mud Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Ray Turpin officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with full military honors provided by Habersham County American Legion Post #84, Grant Reeves VFW Post #7720, Rabun County DAV Chapter #15, and United States Army Honor Guard.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm on Saturday, August 20, 2016, at Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, Georgia.

Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 105 Westpark Drive, Suite C, Athens, Georgia 30606.

Those wishing to express online condolences may do so by visiting www.whitfieldfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Whitfield Funeral Home & Crematory, South Chapel, 1370 Industrial Boulevard, Baldwin, Georgia. 706-778-7123