Garry “Paw Paw” Ambrose McNeely, Sr., 82, of Morganton, NC went to his Heavenly Home on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. He was born on March 19, 1944 in Cleveland County to the late William Thor McNeely and Lonnie Lane McNeely. He was a faithful member of Mount Home Baptist Church. Garry retired from Drexel Heritage and still worked in upholstery at his home. He volunteered at Burke United Christian Ministries. Garry loved street rods, NASCAR and Tarheel basketball. He adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Doyle, Gilbert, and Hal McNeely; sisters, Dorothy Ford and Pat Brittain; great-grandchild, Milani Coffey.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Delores Gatlin McNeely; son, Garry Ambrose McNeely, Jr. (Joy); grandchildren, Brigham McNeely (Lindsi) and Blythe Walker (Chase), Jacob Coffey (Maze) and Jocelyn Benton; great-grandchildren, Marley Johnson, Dominic McNeely, Jovie McNeely and Indy Walker; sisters, Annie R. Towery, Norma J. Fuller (Walter); and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family will receive friends from 1:30-3pm Sunday, April 19, 2026 at Mount Home Baptist Church. The funeral will begin at 3pm in the church with Rev. Ethan Cromer and Rev. Brigham McNeely officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family would like to thank the staff and doctors at Amorem Hospice, especially Heaven, Chelsea, and Josh.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Ambrose and Brigham…..thinking of you and wishing you and your families much love, peace and comfort now, and in the days ahead. ✨✝️✨ Sheila Dill
Delores and family, my heart goes out to all of you in the loss of Garry! We prayed for healing but God had other plans and now he's living a life we can only dream about! Frank and I got to know Garry and you at Mount Home Church before we moved in 2017! I'm so thankful our paths crossed inthis life! All of you will be in my thoughts and prayers in the coming days! God bless!
Delores, You are in my thoughts and prayers. Garry was such an awesome man, you were so blessed to have him! Love you
To my loving, and caring 2nd family growing up. Teresa & I are heart broken that Garry has had finished his walk here. He was like a 2nd father to me. He always made time for me, and all others with a smile. Delores we are holding you up in prayer. Just know GOD met Garry as his journey here ends. There is a better day coming, keep your eyes on JESUS. Here if you need us. PS: Ambrose, I love you brother, lean on the JESUS and remember just to breath, GOD has got you all.
So sorry for your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Sending prayers to the McNeely family. He was such a nice man.
Condolences to the entire family. Our prayers are with all of you. Garry was a fine man.