Johnny Ray Neeley

Johnny Ray Neeley, 63, peacefully passed away on Friday, Dec. 19 2014. Johnny was born on January 15, 1951 in Mountainair N.M. to Doc and Johnnie Belle Neeley of the Round Top community. Johnny was preceded in death by his parents Doc and Johnnie Belle Neeley and sister Geneva LaJune Neeley. He is survived by 3 sisters, Betty Janway Kahalekulu and husband Ben Kahalekulu of Rio Rancho, Barbara Neeley and Dorothy Cole of Mountainair and one brother Bobby Neeley of Estancia and many nieces and nephews. Johnny served in the U S Navy after graduation from high school in 1969. Assigned to the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier he became a Plane Capitan. His ship was awarded “THE PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION(NAVY) FOR EXTRODINARY HEROISM by the President of the United States for extraordinary and outstanding performance from April 30, 1972 to February 9, 1973 in the Gulf of Tonkin of North Vietnam. This is the longest (11mo’s) any military ship has served without relief in US history. After his service in the Navy, Johnny returned home to his beloved town and friends. Johnny was known around town for his love of music and his ability to play a guitar. He would play the guitar for himself more than for the public and always had music playing. Johnny was a simple man not needing or wanting recognition for anything. Memorial Service will be held Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014 at 10am at the Harris Hanlon Mortuary in Mountainair. Internment will be in the Round Top Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to either Boys or Girls Ranches of New Mexico.