Larry Neely Jr, 63 of Laurelville, OH passed away on 10/3/26 due to respiratory failure at the James Cancer Hospital. He was surrounded by his loved ones when he took his last breath there and opened his eyes in Heaven. Larry was born on 4/13/1963 in Columbus, OH to Larry and Mary (Wicker)Neely. Larry is survived by his beloved wife Vicki (Blankenship) Neely; son Joe (Christina) Smith; daughter Samantha (Don)Young; Bonus children; Ryan (Sadie Pearse) Lovely; Chris (Samantha) Lovely, Eli (Serena) Lovely and Hannah Jacomet whom he loved like a daughter. He is also survived by his sisters; Rhonda Sandt, Lisa Carpenter and Mindy Boerner, 11 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, 2 special aunts; Marsha Edwards and Jewel Carpenter whom he called his 2nd mom. In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his wife Pamela Neely in 2004 and daughter Sarah Neely in 2013. Larry loved the Lord, his Church and his family. An avid church goer, he took great joy in attending regional revivals, teaching VBS, and visiting various local congregations. He was a man who found joy in the simple and meaningful things in life. He knew no stranger, a friend to everyone, often taking others under his wing. Larry was known for his hardworking and resilience. A man of exceptional work ethic. Over the years he was an Iron worker, Horse wrangler, Cabin builder, Contractor, Chef, and a Maintenance Technician for The Chalets In Hocking Hills up to his passing. He truly was a "jack of all trades." He mastered the art of cooking at his mom's diner in Logan and working with his dad at the prestigious Jai Lai restaurant in Columbus. He also enjoyed fishing, gardening, canning and made the best biscuits and gravy known to man! Larry had a deep love for animals. He bred golden retrievers and trained his own golden for nursing home visits bringing delight to the residents.
He also volunteered for the local Special Olympics Equestrian Team forming lifelong friendships with those involved. A true horseman at heart, Larry was in his "happy place" on his horse, Jazz riding the trails in Hocking Hills with his wife and all their horse friends. He cherished the quiet rhythm of the outdoors and nothing brought him more joy than ending a long ride with good food, fresh baked chocolate chip cookies, and a warm campfire. He treasured every moment spent with the people he loved and took great pride in his family. His faith in God was at the heart of who he was. Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing that he is now totally pain-free, breathing at 100% and having the time of his life Up There! Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 16, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Saltcreek Community Church with burial to follow in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday from 11-1. There will be luncheon at Pleasant Hill fellowship hall to follow and to please bring a dish to share. Online condolences can be made at www.wellmanfuneralhomes.com.
Full service details and the family guest book are available at Wellman Funeral Home-Circleville.