In Loving Memory of

Dr. George Neely, Jr.

Dr. George Neely, Jr., a distinguished educator, scholar, scientist, veteran, leader, and beloved family man, was born on September 9, 1931, in Houston, Texas, to George Neely, Sr. and Cassie Lee Thomas Neely. His earthly journey ended at the age of 94, on August 29, 2026, in Nashville, TN. His remarkable life was characterized by a love of learning, a commitment to service, excellence in education, and a deep and abiding love for his family.

George received his early education through the public school system in Houston, Texas, and graduated from Phyllis Wheatley High School. From an early age, he demonstrated an exceptional aptitude for mathematics and the sciences. Following high school, he continued his education at Texas Southern University, where his gifts and passion for mathematics and physics flourished.

His college education was interrupted when he was drafted into the United States Army. George served his country during the Korean War, demonstrating the courage, discipline, and sense of duty that would remain hallmarks of his character throughout his life.

Following his military service, George returned to Texas Southern University to complete his studies. He excelled in mathematics and physics and began his teaching career at Texas Southern University. As an educator, he shared his knowledge and passion for the sciences with students while encouraging them to pursue excellence in their own educational journeys.

George's thirst for knowledge eventually led him to Michigan, where he pursued graduate studies in the Department of Physics at the University of Michigan. Through perseverance, intellectual discipline, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, he earned his Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics.

A Distinguished Career at Fisk University

After completing his studies in Michigan, George moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he began what would become his lifelong career at Fisk University.

Fisk became more than a place of employment; it became an important part of George's life and legacy. He served as a professor of mathematics and physics, inspiring generations of students through his knowledge, high standards, and dedication to education.

His contributions extended beyond the classroom as he assumed positions of increasing responsibility within the university. He served as an Academic Dean, Provost, and Executive Vice President of Fisk University.

In each position, George brought wisdom, integrity, scholarship, leadership, and a genuine commitment to the advancement of the university and its students. As a member of the Fisk family, he touched more lives than we can count.

Students, faculty, administrators, and colleagues were influenced by his intellect, leadership, guidance, and commitment to excellence. His legacy at Fisk University lives on through the countless individuals whose lives he helped shape.

A Man of Service and Brotherhood

George believed in the importance of service, leadership, and brotherhood. He was a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., an organization whose principles of scholarship, fellowship, good character, and service reflected many of the values he demonstrated throughout his life.

A Love for Life and Family

Although George was a brilliant scholar and accomplished university administrator, he was much more than his professional achievements.

He was a lover of all sports, especially enjoying both playing and watching football and tennis.

Most importantly, George was a family man. His family was a treasured part of his life, and he cherished the relationships he shared with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, extended family, and loved ones. He was a source of wisdom, strength, guidance, and love to those who were fortunate enough to know him.

His Family Legacy

George Neely, Jr. was preceded in death by his beloved parents, George Neely, Sr. and Cassie Lee Thomas Neely, his siblings, Chester Ray Neely, Harold Andrew Neely, and Celanie Jackson, and the mother of his children, Nella Marie Allen Neely.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his three children, Cheryl A. Neely, Jacqueline E. (David) Neely-Smith, and Philip M. Neely; his grandchildren, Bryson and Jocelyn Brownlee; and his great-grandchildren, Jaide McCray and Jacobi McCray.

He is also survived by his siblings: Fay Delores, Alice Joyce, Jacqueline Maxine, Micheal Donald, Barbara Anne, Arthur Leon, Floyd Edsel, Edgar Alan, Philip Lloyd, and Beverly Carol, his beloved great-niece, Kimberly Goods, who was like a daughter to him, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

A Legacy That Will Endure

Dr. George Neely, Jr. lived an extraordinary life.

His journey began in Houston, Texas, and carried him from the classrooms of Phyllis Wheatley High School and Texas Southern University, to service in the United States Army during the Korean War, to the University of Michigan, where he earned his Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics, and ultimately to Fisk University, where he devoted his life to teaching, scholarship, leadership, and service.

He was a scholar who valued education, an educator who believed in his students, a leader who served with distinction, a veteran who answered the call of his country, a fraternity brother who valued service and brotherhood, a sportsman who enjoyed life, and a family man who loved deeply.

His accomplishments were significant, but his greatest legacy may be found in the people he influenced.

As a professor, he opened minds. As an administrator, he opened doors. As a mentor, he offered guidance. As a brother, he offered fellowship. As a father and grandfather, he offered love. As a family man, he gave his family a legacy of which they can be proud.

Dr. George Neely, Jr. leaves an indelible mark on the many lives he touched. His wisdom will be remembered, his accomplishments will be celebrated, and his love will remain in the hearts of his family, friends, students, colleagues, fraternity brothers, and the Fisk University community.

Though his earthly journey has come to an end, the legacy he built through education, service, leadership, perseverance, and love will continue for generations to come.

We give thanks for the gift of his life. We celebrate the man he was, the lives he touched, and the legacy he leaves behind.

Dr. George Neely, Jr.

Scholar. Educator. Leader. Veteran. Fraternity Brother. Sportsman. Father. Grandfather. Great-Grandfather. Beloved Family Man.

A life well lived. 

A legacy well established. 

A love that will never be forgotten.

May his memory forever be a blessing.

The staff of Nashville Funeral and Cremation is honored to serve the family of George Neely Jr., age 94 of Nashville, TN.