Don Keith McNeely Sr., 75, passed away on October 7, 2024, peacefully in his home in Iuka, MS surrounded by family. Don was born May 7, 1949, in Mayfield, Kentucky to James Everett McNeely and Louise Hanna McNeely. His family moved to Iuka when he was 6 years old. In 1967 he graduated from Iuka High School. After two years at North East Mississippi Community College he transferred to the University of Mississippi where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering. He built McNeely Plumbing and Electric in 1976 and serviced the Iuka and surrounding areas. February of 1994, he became the Public Works Director at the City of Iuka under the leadership of Mayor David Nichols. During this time he was instrumental in civic improvement projects that lead to infrastructure stability and the redevelopment of community centers like Jay Bird Park and Iuka Mineral Springs Park. In 2004, the Iuka Library awarded him with the “Best Friend” Award for his significant contributions. When Don wasn’t building his legacy serving the community through his company or his public service, he was enjoying time taking his family to the Great Smokey Mountains to hike and play in mountain streams, skiing and tubing on the Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway, or driving them across country to visit the National Parks. Post retirement, you could find him at a park with his number of his grand-babies, a large cup of black coffee, and some sacks of McDonald’s. Don is survived by his wife of 45 glorious years, Becky McNeely; his children Grant Jones of Hattiesburg, MS, Lee (Debbie) Jones of Fort Worth, TX, Keith (Jill) McNeely of Iuka, MS, and Gwen (Drew) Howard of Brandon, MS; his grandchildren Brett (Julie) Scott, Madison (Cameron) Johns, Marlena (Jesse) Gibson, Mallory McNeely, Faith Andrus, Will McNeely, Thatcher Jones, Noah Finch, Chet McNeely, Annabella Finch, Emily Jones, Alydia McNeely, Eliza Howard, Astoria McNeely, Heidi Howard, and Rylee Jones; his sister-in-laws, Cecele McDonald, Kaye (Rex) Keeton; his brother-in-law Doug (Sandy) Payne; and an abundance of nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Louise McNeely, in-laws, Cecil and Mary Payne, sister, Bunni and John Rollins, half-brother, Jim McNeely, and half-sister, Kathleen Lokojarvi. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 10, 2024 from 5 – 8 p.m. at Cutshall Funeral Home, 302 Pearl Street, Iuka, MS. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the IDEA by mailing checks to PO Box 515, Iuka, MS 38852. in Don’s honor. Contributions will be used for Iuka Mineral Springs Park enhancements and maintenance.
