Robert Myril “Bobby” Neely, Jr, 68, of Bentonia, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016, at his home, due to complications which arose from a battle with cancer.

Bobby was born in Yazoo City on Nov. 24, 1947, to Emmie Lou (Kirk) and Robert Myril “Shag” Neely, Sr. He excelled at baseball and football at Bentonia High School, and served in the Army thereafter.  He proposed to and married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Marie Hicks, in 1968, while on leave and prior to his deployment to Germany. He was a member of Central Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon for much of his life. He was a loving husband and father.  He also loved spending time at home, where he raised cows and chickens and played with grandchildren in his spare time.

He was proceeded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife of 48 years, Shirley Hicks Neely, sons Robert Myril Neely, III (Margaret) of Oxford and Clayton Anderson Neely (Mary Katherine) of Madison, grandchildren Robert Myril Neely, IV, Margaret Miller Neely, Mary Lanford Neely, Eleanor Grace Neely and Katherine Clayton Neely, brothers Michael Kirk Neely, Sr. (Nell) of Bentonia, Randall Lynn Neely of Sacramento, California, and sister Connie Lou Howell (Terry) of Bentonia.

Funeral services will consist of a graveside service open to friends and family at the Central Holmes Cemetery, 2350 Dover Rd, Bentonia, MS at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, 2016, under the Direction of Stricklin-King Funeral Home of Yazoo City with Bro. Gowan Ellis officiating. Afterwards, everyone is invited to gather at the Neely’s home.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.