Fred Neely

Fred Neely, age 77, of Toledo, passed away peacefully, Thursday, March 27, 2008 in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 16, 1930 to Daisy and Lucille (Perry) Neely in Humboldt, Tennessee. Fred was the owner and operator of taxi cab, BW5 for over 40 years with Black & White Cab Co. He was a member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church for over 60 years. Fred enjoyed to fish and bowl and loved cars. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Al Darrington, infant brother, Jimmy Neely, sister, Mayola Ford, brother, Napoleon Neely, brother-in-law, Henry Ford, father-in-law, Leslie Messenger, and brothers-in-law, Gordon and Chuck Messenger. Fred is survived by his loving wife, Mary (Messenger) Neely; children: Michael (Elsie Johnson) Neely, Deborah Neely and Garry (Dorthea) Neely; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; brother: Aldean (Willie Rose) Neely; mother of his children, Naomi Neely; mother-in-law: Patricia "Da Mom" Messenger; brothers-in-law: Leslie (Chris) and Larry (Pat) Messenger; sisters-in-law: Rose "Jr." (James) Baldwin and Cindy Messenger; caregivers: Chevene Bostic and Ricardo Martinez; best friend: Uncle Lon Woodard; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

The family will receive guests on Monday from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Newcomer Funeral Home, 4150 W. Laskey Rd., Toledo (419-473-0300). Funeral Services will be Tuesday at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 5301 Nebraska Ave. at 1:00 p.m. with a wake service starting at 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow in Historic Woodlawn Cemetery.

Those wishing to make monetary donations are asked to consider Odyssey Hospice.