Jerry G. McNeilly

Jerry G. McNeilly, 74, of Morganton, NC died Saturday, May 26, 2012 at the Burke Palliative Care Center following a period of declining health. Born in Cleveland County, NC on May 3, 1938, he was the son of the late Andrew Grayson McNeilly and Blanche Laura Hoyle McNeilly. Jerry was a member of Midway Baptist Church. He retired from J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center after 25 years of service. He was an evangelist and preached God’s word at every opportunity. Jerry was an avid coon hunter, loved music, and loved to work in his garden.Jerry is survived by his wife, Mary Parker McNeilly of the home; daughters, Susan Annette Thompkins and Kathy Denise McNeilly, both of Morganton; grandchildren, Mackenzie McNeilly, Drew Thompkins, Dalton Thompkins, and Cullen Thompkins; a brother, Donald McNeilly of Casar, NC; and sisters, Brenda Williams of Casar, Josephine Huffman of Casar, Eloise Martin of Valdese, Martha Jean Wilson of Icard, NC, Buna Canipe of Lawndale, NC, and Daphine Canipe of Lattimore, NC.In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by an infant son, Chancellor Justin McNeilly; four brothers; and three sisters.The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 29, 2012 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Reverends Lloyd Harris and J. C. Bradley officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.