Deacon John C. Nealey, Jr.

Nealey ~ “I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith…”

                                                                                                               II Timothy 4:7

On January 16, 1936, John C. Nealey was born to John C. Nealey, Sr. and Willeana Mitchell Nealey.  Deacon Nealey attended the local schools in Jacksonville, Florida and was a proud member of New Stanton High School graduate Class of 1954.  After graduation, he served in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1958.  Deacon Nealey was employed by the United States Postal Service and retired with forty-two years of dedicated service.  After retirement he worked nearly thirteen years with First Student Transportation. Deacon Nealey valued sharing the love of Jesus with students and rewarding them for earning good grades.

Deacon Nealey became a member of Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church January 1, 1995, where he faithfully served as usher and one of the deacons of District 20.

Family and friends affectionately called him Nealey, Bubba, Uncle Bubba, Daddy, Granddaddy and Pop.  From the time Deacon Nealey was admitted into the hospital and later cared for at home, he regularly communicated with family and friends.  Each phone call would end with, “I love you” and/or “I’m praying for you and your family”.    

On the first day of Holy Week, Palm Sunday, April 2, 2023, Deacon Nealey was dressed on his way to attend communion services.  Instead, he was called and welcomed with open arms into his prepared mansion.   His Lord said unto him, “Well done, good and faithful servant”.  Matthew 25:23

His wife, Margaret Mack; parents, Mr. & Mrs. John Nealey, Sr.; and sisters, Glandora Neal and Nathalyn James preceded him in death.

He is survived by a loving family including sons, Duane Nealey, Eric (Toy) Nealey, Lemuel (Renoda) Nealey, Mannon Mack (Chaundra); daughters, Valerie (Johnny) Rodgers, Tanya Nealey-Ubaldo, Jalohn (Brandon) Hicks; nine (9) grandchildren; six (6) great grandchildren; brother, Nathan “Nate Walker; sisters, Mary Nealey Ravnell, Jacquelyn Walker Williams; brothers-in-law, Daniel Neal and Grant James; sisters-in-law, Catherine “Katie” Burns, Vera Burton, Geneva McClain, Zelma “Susie” Young; many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends; cherished life friends, David Young and Elvira Gordon Nealey; neighbors, Albertie, Sarah Gillette, Roosevelt, Henry and Lashawn & Dwarn Finn.   

Celebration of Life service for Deacon John C. Nealey, Jr. will be 11:00AM Friday, April 14, 2023 at Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church, 1118 West Beaver Street.  Visitation Thursday from 5 – 7:00 PM at The Church.  Interment in Jacksonville National Cemetery.  Because of the love of his family, arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Drive, 904-924-9400

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