Rev. Robert "Bob" Neely

The Rev. Robert Willingham "Bob"  Neely, 71, husband of Ruthi Cooper Neely, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at his home, after running the good race in a life full of faith, hope, and love. He trusted in the Lord with all his heart, and the Lord directed his path.

He was born June 4, 1950, in Spartanburg, S.C. to Kirk and Louise Hudson Neely. He attended Spartanburg High School and graduated from Carson-Newman College. He later earned his Master of Divinity degree from Erskine Theological Seminary. After a 38-year career in the family lumber business, he also worked as a real estate agent in Spartanburg.

In his second act, Bob spent nine rewarding years as an associate at First Baptist Church Spartanburg, focusing on pastoral care. Prior to joining the church staff, he had previously served as a Chairman of the Deacons, Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School teacher in the Newlywed class, horse trainer for the Passion, Nursery Volunteer, and Mission Friends teacher. He was perhaps best known for his unmatched skill in finding quarters behind people’s ears, and also handing out quarters to teenagers going on mission trips and loving every single one even though he didn’t know their names and called them all George.

Bob is survived by Ruthi, six children and 18 grandchildren: Robert (Lindsay) of Greenville and their children Addison, Bryce, and Larkin; Kam (Emily) of Spartanburg and their children Foster, Wade Cooper, and Ramsey; Jenny Sewell (Scott) of Tega Cay and their children Jackson and Liam; Hudson (Lindzey) of Spartanburg and their children Wilson, Sims, Ruthi, and Hal; Merianna Harrelson (Sam) of Sumter and their children Mary Hudson, Laura Cooper, Ben, and Emmylou; and Chase (Joy) of Nashville and their children Wilder and Smith. Bob is also survived by seven siblings: Kirk Neely (Clare), Beth Hedden (Jule), Bill Neely (Wanda), Lawton Neely, Jeslyn Wilson (Terry), Mamie Suits (Steve), and Kitty Cash; and a wealth of other family members he dearly loved.

Visitation will be held at 12:00 – 1:30 pm Friday, November 12, 2021 at First Baptist Church of Spartanburg, in the Fellowship Hall and then the Celebration of Life service will be at 2:00 pm in the Sanctuary. A private family burial will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Young Families Ministry or the Senior Adults Ministry at First Baptist Church, 250 E. Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306.

Floyd’s North Church Street Chapel