Chuck Neely

Funeral services for Charles ("Chuck" "Gus") Gooch Neely, 93 of Cookeville, Tennessee, will be held Wednesday, August 10, 2016 AT 1:00 p.m. from the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper, Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. Visitation will be Wednesday from 11 a.m. until service time at the funeral home. Interment will be at Crestlawn Cemetery in Cookeville. Mr. Neely passed away Friday morning, August 5, 2016, at Life Care Center in Sparta, Tennessee where he resided with his wife of 42 years, Betty Lou Stanton Neely. Mr. Neely was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee on October 2, 1922, the son of John Gooch Neely of Franklin, Tennessee and Lucile Lillian King of Chattsworth, Georgia. In 1925 the family moved to Nashville, Tennessee where his Dad pursued a career in automotive industry. In 1941 Chuck/Gus graduated from West End High School in Nashville, where he excelled as a student and athlete. Following graduation from high school, Chuck "Gus" enlisted in the Army Air Corps (Air Force) and served for four years. His career with the Army Air Corps included numerous missions in the England theatre on B-24's where he served as the Engineer Gunner. He was discharged with honors at the rank of Staff Sergeant in 1945. At the end of World War II, Chuck "Gus" enrolled at Tennessee Polytechnic Institute and was a proud member of the Golden Eagle Football Team. He graduated in 1949 with a BS degree in Business. Upon graduation he was employed by General Motors Finance in Nashville for 31 years. While working for GMC he was recognized on numerous occasions for his loyalty and commitment to excellence. Mr. Neely is survived by his wife Betty Lou Stanton Neely of Cookeville. Other survivors include a son, Sandy Stanton (Beverly) of Cookeville, two daughters, Sally Shipley Tucker (Kevin) of Cookeville and Anne Stevens Aldridge (David) of Darien, Georgia, ten grandchildren, Beth Shipley (Tim), Jess Shipley (Michelle), Robert Stanton (Whitney), Christi Cheek (Tim), Neely Raper, Jay Pruitt, Lucy Manning, Logan Price, Hal Pruitt, Luke Pruitt, many great- grandchildren and one great grand-daughter. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Christy Pruitt. Chuck and Betty Lou were members of Collegeside Church of Christ. Chuck was an avid sports enthusiast following grandsons, as they became varsity Cavaliers on the high school level and a loyal Golden Eagle Fan. He had nothing but kind words for anyone and was always there to provide encouragement. He was the epitome of a southern gentleman, showing love and grace. Pallbearers will be Kevin Tucker, Jess Shipley, Dylan Shipley, Gavin Bartlett, Tim Grapes, and John Alex Bilbrey. Brother Joe Roberts of Collegeside Church of Christ will preside over the services. Memorial contributions may be made to the Upper Cumberland Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 444B Neal St., Cookeville, TN 38501, Avalon Hospice, 1080 Neal St. Ste. 300, Cookeville, TN 38501, Veterans Honor Guard, 370 S. Lowe Ave. PMB 212, Cookeville, TN 38501 or the Dean Louis & Virginia Johnson Fund for Excellence, Tennessee Tech College of Business Foundation, TTU Box 1915, Cookeville, TN 38505.