Jimmie Wade McNeely

Jimmie Wade McNeely was born in Jesup, Georgia on December 24, 1928, to Doris Henderson and Jim Tom McNeely. Jimmie was the first of four siblings that include: Patsy Jane, Rex M. and Freddie B. McNeely.

The McNeely family moved to Charleston, South Carolina during WW II so his father could work in the naval shipyard to support the war effort. By all accounts Jimmie and his siblings had a wonderful childhood steeped in Christian values.

Jimmie Wade, joined the Air Force in 1946, became a meteorologist, and served until 1968. He retired as a Chief Master Sergeant (E-9), the highest enlisted rank in the United State Air Force.

During his time in the service, he met and married his lovely wife Evelyn Deloris Tillis, who was also serving in the Air Force at the time. They married on February 12, 1959, and remained inseparable for the next 64 years. They had two children: Donovan Wade McNeely, born January 9, 1960 and Gary Marshall McNeely, born April 7, 1961. 

Shortly after retiring from the Air Force the family moved to Tallahassee, Florida so he could attend Florida State University on the G. I. Bill and so Evelyn could be near her parents in neighboring Cairo, Georgia. In time, both Jimmie and Evelyn graduated from FSU, he with a Master's Degree and Evelyn with an under graduate degree.  

After graduating from FSU, he worked for the State of Florida in various capacities until his retirement in the early 1990s.

Jimmie Wade was intellectually curious about many things, had an eye for detail, enjoyed solving problems inherent in designing and building things, large and small, such as home additions, sailboats, fiberglass campers, and prefabricated buildings. He learned to sail while stationed in the Azores and enjoyed the sailing culture for much of his life. He was also an avid bicyclist.

Jimmie and Evelyn loved to travel and took dozens of far ranging trips, often with friends, in the United States, Canada, Central and South America and Europe.

Jimmie and Evelyn had many friends, were faithful to their church for over 50 years, and maintained close ties to both sides of their families. They were also generous of their time and resources and assisted many people along the way.

Jimmie is survived by his wife Evelyn, sons Donovan and Gary, brothers Rex and Fred, and their respective spouses.  

Faith Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements (850.539.4300 or www.faithfuneralhome.com).