A much loved, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, Joshua Neely, 95, of Advance, NC, passed away peacefully at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Care, on August 18, 2013. He had bravely confronted and fought cancer. Joshua was born August 1, 1918 in Cooleemee, NC to Joshua Neely, Sr. and McKiver Holman. Joshua married Ella Mae Fowler and to this union bore one child, Mary Irene Neely, born January 1, 1939. Ella Mae passed in 1947. Joshua attended school in Cooleemee, NC, and moved in 1944 to secure work in New Jersey. Joshua resided in Newark, New Jersey, for 56 years. While in New Jersey, Joshua joined Catherine Defonia Neely in marriage in 1947. He secured employment with Monsanto Chemical Plant and retired from this facility as a machinist after 39 years of faithful service. Preceding him in death were his wife, Catherine Neely; three brothers George, Bruce, and Clarence Neely, and four sisters, Magaline Christian, Mildred Everest, Alice Neely and Annie Gray Pringle. Joshua was a passionate fisherman and loved to play card games. He loved sitting down with his grandchildren and playing games with them often. In his last days, Joshua was lovingly cared for by his daughter, Irene, and grandson, Randall in their home. Joshua leaves to cherish his memories his daughter Irene Neely Studevent, four grandchildren, Randall Barker, Sherley Chester Studevent (Kimondra), James Studevent (Deborah) and Monique Curry (Micheal), a special friend Diane Koon of Irvington, NJ; ten great grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, and host of nieces, nephews and friends. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Joshua Neely Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store. Cemetery Details Redland Church of Christ NC, Service AUG 24. 3:00 PM (EDT) Redland Church of Christ 4302 Hwy. 158Advance, NC