Johnny Neely

Johnny Lee Neely passed peacefully into his new Heavenly home on October 17, 2020.  Johnny was born in Tonkawa, Oklahoma, on April 9, 1946, to John Pete and Media Belle Davis Neely.   Johnny married the love of his life Debbie Vogel on September 10, 1988 at Faith Tabernacle Church in Ponca City, Oklahoma.

Johnny graduated from Ponca City High School in 1965 and then served with the United States Army.  After his service time, he attended and graduated from Central State University in Edmond, Oklahoma.

He worked for Southwestern Bell (AT&T) for 30 plus years as an Engineer.  He also did contract engineering work for various telco providers post retirement.

Johnny loved football and played as a running back in his youth.  He also played softball with his co-workers in the early years at Southwestern Bell in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

Johnny had two true loves in his life, family and fishing.  He loved spending time with his family at reunions and holiday gatherings.  He loved sharing his life with Debbie and their children and grandson.  Johnny love fishing of all types and at all places.  He fished from rivers and lakes all over the states of Oklahoma and Texas to the lakes in Canada to saltwater fishing in the Gulf of Mexico.  Johnny always fished with his friends and family and enjoyed the company which always included his son John.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Marvin John Neely, Jim Neely and Chuck Neely, sisters Patsy Brown and Ruby Cauthon.

Survivors include his wife Debbie of the home, two sons, Justin Fincher of Alabama, John Neely and fiancé Lindsey DeRoover of Ponca City, one daughter, January Miller and husband Jarrod of Nebraska, and one grandson Harlen Neely.  Also, sisters Betty Myers of Ponca City, Joyce Epperson and husband Shelby of Republic, Missouri, Linda Arnold of Ponca City, Pamela Savage and husband James of Blackwell, numerous nieces and nephews, a host of extended family and many wonderful friends.