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John Baskin Neely Jr, 84, of Mooresville, NC passed away July 26, 2026, at Summit Place of Mooresville. John was born September 14, 1941, in Burlington, NC, to the late John Baskin and Mary Ervin McCain Neely. John attended Clemson University earning a textile chemistry degree. John joined the Army after college as an officer and served in Korea. After his Army service, John spent his career working in the textile industry, primarily at Pfister Chemical, later known as Pfister Dyes. John married his wife, Helen, in the early 1970s and they settled in Mooresville, where they established strong roots in the community and as faithful members of First Presbyterian Church. Over the years, John enjoyed devoting his time serving in the church in many capacities, including serving as an Elder, leading the Men's Bible Class, Stephen Ministry, and volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. Whether at church, at work, or in the community, John loved meeting new people and spending time with old friends. John was usually happiest at Ocean Isle Beach, fishing in the surf and enjoying a good meal at the Seafood Hut. Beginning in his high school days as a football player, John continued his love for sports throughout his life. He coached many seasons of youth soccer, watched countless soccer games and tennis matches while also enjoying playing tennis and golf. John remained a faithful fan of all things Clemson sports. John is survived by his children, Meredith Neely Peebles (Hill) of Charlotte and John B. Neely, III (Marissa) of Wilmington, NC; grandchildren, Thomas Hill Peebles, John Neely Peebles, Luke Norman Peebles, Emma Jane Neely, and Isabella Ann Neely; beloved nephew, Shawn Wright and niece, Elizabeth Wright, as well as surviving family by marriage: Dorothy Whisnant, Danielle Knox, Holly Norman, and John Whisnant. John was preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years, Helen Norman Neely, his parents and sister, Jane Neely Wright, brothers-in-law, Jack Wright and Clyde Norman, sister-in-law, Katherine Cox and nephew, Bryan Norman. The family would like to thank the caregivers at Summit Place of Mooresville and Hospice of Iredell County for their kind and loving care of John. A service in celebration of John's life will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Mooresville, NC, at 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Mooresville, NC (mooresvillefpc.org) or to Coastal B.U.D.S. of Wilmington (coastalbuds.org). Cavin-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Neely family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.

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John Baskin Neely, Jr.

September 14, 1941 - July 26, 2026