Bobby Dale Neeley

Bobby Dale Neeley,Sr., 64, of Toney, AL, left this walk of life Saturday morning February 23, 2019, after suffering a heart attack. Bobby was born February 3, 1955 in Ardmore, AL to Elgie Loyd Neeley and Dorothy Helen Adcock Neeley. He lived most of his life at the same address on Old Railroad Bed Rd, where he grew up as a child and then later built a home to raise his own family. Bobby married the love of his life, Nita Shumate, on Valetine's Day in 1981. Bobby and Nita's jobs led them to meet and befriend many people. Bobby worked mostly as an HVAC mechanic, both on his own and for several years as a contractor on Redstone Arsenal where he worked with his son Justin and also his brother-in-law with whom the shared a name, Bobby Shumate. Bobby made lifelong friends during his time at work before finally retiring in 2017. Bobby also made hundreds of friends during his career as a racecar driver, driving on both dirt and asphalt tracks across North Alabama and Southern Tennessee. Bobby raced for many years, and was even featured in Short Track Racing Magazine. He loved the sport and made it a familly affair. When he retired from the driver's seat himself, he turned the wheel over to his son and kept the Neeley name on the track for a few more years. When he wasn't racing or working to provide for his family, Bobby enjoyed camping with his wife and grandchildren, doing odd jobs, and sitting on his front porch with his friends and his dog listening to country music. He never met a stranger and was known for his easy smile, his generosity, and his compassion. Bobby was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Anita Neeley Beck. Also preceding him in death was his oldest son, Bobby "Robby" Neeley, Jr. whom he loved and adored unconditionally. Bobby is survived by his wife of 38 years, Juanita "Nita" Shumate Neeley. Also surviving are his devoted son and daughter-in-law, Justin Wade and Rachel Neeley, and his grandsons, Kaleb and Patrick Neeley, all of Toney. Other survivors includes his grandsons, Dillon Neeley and Daniel Neeley of Hazel Green, and their mother, Christy Pryor. Bobby's granddaugher, Allisa Neeley of Hazel Green also survives as does one great-granddaughter. His brothers and sisters-in-law who survive are Loyd & Ruth Neeley, Harold & Brenda Neeley, Billy Neeley, Jimmy Neeley, Donny Neeley, and Tina Neeley. Bobby also leaves behind his brothers-in-law and their wives, whom he loved as his own, Bobby&Pam Shumate and Donnie & Debbie Shumate. A host of cousins, nieces, nephews, family, and beloved friends also mourn the loss of this great man. The family will receive guests at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 with visitation hours from 4:30-7:00 pm, with the funeral service immediately following at 7:00 pm. A private graveside service be at Ready Cemetery.

Bobby Dale Neeley

February 3, 1955 - February 23, 2019