Keith Jackson Neely age 81, passed away at home April 14, 2026 in Warren, AR. He was born September 24th, 1944 in Warren, Arkansas to the late Winford Jackson Neely and Kathleen Ashcraft Neely. He was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church, Warren, AR.
Keith was a 1962 graduate of Banks High School. After graduation he drove a gravel truck for the Bradley County Road Department, and then he worked for a short time at the Bradley Sawmill. A long successful career followed in the concrete construction business. His career started when he began working for O.C.’Jack “ Lyon. Later, they became partners in Neely-Lyon Construction, building sawmills all over the southern United States. In 1979 Keith formed Neely Construction continuing with concrete work and gravel hauling. He was known as a perfectionist and one of the hardest working men that ever lived in Bradley County, and could do anything he put his mind to. Keith was also a licensed airplane pilot at one point in his career. After the construction and gravel business he embarked upon a new career as Bradley County Judge. He served 10 years from 2007 to 2016. Keithtook great pride in serving the residents of Bradley County and always looked for ways to improve the situation of the county. He cared deeply for the employees of Bradley County, and always took them into consideration when making decisions that affected them. He also serviced on the Bradley County Hospital Board. Keith also enjoyed fishing, deer hunting and turkey hunting. He was an avid gardener and maintained his home and farm to immaculate standards.
He was preceded in death by his parents Winfred Neely and Kathleen Neely. Three aunts Vera Ellison and spouse Edwin, Hazel Neely and Corrine Neely.
His greatest legacy he leaves behind is his family, he is survived by his wife of almost 64 years. Melba Ann Neely who was always by his side supporting him in whatever life put in front of them. A son Ronald Jackson Neely and spouse Suzette Neely, a daughter Stephanie Ann Howard and spouse Marty Howard. A granddaughter Jennifer Kathleen Fryer and spouse John Fryer. A grandson Matthew Jackson Neely and spouse Lauren Neely. A granddaughter Madison Neely and Ann Howard. Great grandsons Jackson David Fryer, Joseph Drake Fryer, William Jackson Neely and Barrett Jackson Neely, and a great granddaughter Naomi Ann Snow. Also, special family friends Mitch Champagne, Elise Swain, Gina Hemphill and Bradley County employees Robin Herring and Karen Butler. The family would also like to thank Abbey Gail Harrell, Kay Robinson and the whole staff of Gentiva Hospice, especially nurses Adrian Jackson and Natilie Purfoy and Angela Thomas.
Funeral services will be 10:00 Friday, April 17th at Frazer’s Chapel. Burial in Garrison Cemetery by Frazer’s Funeral Home. Visitation is set for 9:00AM till service time on Friday at Frazer’s Chapel of the Chimes.
