Lefty Neely Claude Albert "Lefty" Neely, Jr. of Columbus, MS passed away on Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at his residence. A memorial service will be held on March 30, 2014, at 4:00pm at Artesia United Methodist Church. Lefty was born February 27, 1931 in Indianapolis, IN to the late Claude Albert (Sr.) and Neatie Carter Neely. He was a loving husband, stern but fair father and devoted friend to those who took the time to know him. Mr. Neely attended the Artesia Methodist Church. He was a veteran of the US Air Force, where he gained the rank of Senior Master Sargent during a 28 year enlistment. During his career in the Air Force he obtained the following commendations: Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award with silver oak leaf cluster, National Defense Service Medal with bronze oak leaf cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal (issued to Air Force personnel until 1963 when the AFGC was created), Air Force Good Conduct Medal with four bronze oak leaf clusters, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two bronze oak leaf clusters, Presidential Unit Citation Medal with bronze oak leaf cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal with bronze oak leaf cluster. Lefty served as Secretary of the Southern Nevada Bowling Association (SNBA) from 1979-1985, and during this time he submitted legislation to the American Bowling Congress that was adopted in 1985. He was inducted into the SNBA Hall of Fame in 1988. He served as Secretary for three other bowling associations totaling 11 years. Lefty qualified in the European Masters five times and finished 2nd twice; participated in the Fédération Internationale des Quilleurs (F.I.Q.) for three years; was Nevada State Scratch All-Events champion twice; and the Colorado Seniors Handicap Singles Champion once. Lefty participated in the ABC National Tournament for over 30 years. In addition to his bowling endeavors Lefty was a life member of the PGA and was runner-up in the Vandenberg Air Force Base Golf Championship. He was also a member of the Family Motor Coach Association, a member of Friendly City Sam's Club and several other RV/camping organizations. Lefty was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and enjoyed model railroading, travelling, and camping. In addition to his parents Claude is preceded in death by his wife Bonnie N. Platt, his wife Betty A. Neely, his sister Margeret Pulido and a grandchild-Chase Hall. Lefty is survived by wife-Lori Myers Neely of Columbus, MS: daughter-Deborah Daune (Dewayne) Hall of Tallahassee, FL; son-Claude Albert (Mary) Neely III, of Perry, FL; son-Scott Daniel (Georgina) Neely of Tempe, AZ; and Eric Lee (Leia) Neely of Meridian, ID; step-daughter-Deborah (David) Lewis of Franklin, TN; step-son-John Hunter Myers of Columbus, MS; step-son-Douglas (Cindy) Myers of Davenport, FL; grandchildren-Isaac Neely and Sarah Neely of Tempe, AZ; and Matthew Neely and Kaitryn Neely of Meridian, ID. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1380 Livingston Lane, Jackson, MS 39213 or