Remembering Joe Neely
Damian Birkel
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On Saturday, I attended an extraordinary Memorial Service for Joe Neely. The First Presbyterian Church was packed with friendly, familiar faces. It was a beautiful ceremony, and there were four speakers. Racheal Neely gave a heartfelt remembrance of her Dad which was full of love, reminiscing, and humor.
Following Rachel was Paul Fulton. Mr. Fulton talked about how Joe was a straight shooter and many other things including how he recruited Joe Neely to join Consolidated Foods/Sara Lee and danced with his wife Joyce to seal the deal.
Nancy Young talked about Joe’s photographic memory and attention to detail. She explained their very special relationship that invigorated and challenged her throughout her career. As a trailblazer in corporate America, Nancy shared that Joe was the most intelligent person that she had ever worked for. I agree.
Steve Jones shared his deep friendship with Joe and his gratitude for having the opportunity to work closely with him. He mentioned Joe’s discipline, ability to consume and remember massive amounts of information, knowledge of current events, and all the fun they had.
The common theme throughout was Joe’s integrity, straight-shooting, creativity, ingenuity, dedication, hard work, discipline, commitment, public service, deep love of family, and unending faith.
For me, I'd like to end with the traditional Irish ?? Blessing that I have heard throughout my life:
“May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
The rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.”
As my cousin’s in Ireland would say: “Go n-éirí an bóthar leat,” which is Gaelic for: “May you succeed on the road.”
Thanks, Joe, for all you did for your family, our faith community, and for those you have touched on your life’s journey. Your faith now goes before you, as you walk ahead of us into heaven.
PS: You can watch the ceremony that was conducted at First Presbyterian by the Reverend Dr. Peter Barnes by going to either:
Or
PLEASE NOTE: Lots of great music. The actual ceremony though begins at the 50-minute mark of the YouTube Video. I also don’t know how long they will keep the link active.
CEO| MBA, Business Development, International, Agriculture, Food Manufacturing, Private Equity, M&A
1 年I just stumbled on this. I worked for Joe for two years at Goldeneye. Joe was a great mentor for me and set me on the career path that I now enjoy.
Public Health and Human Services Professional
3 年I grew up at 1st Pres
Sales & Marketing Executive with 25+ years of experience in B2C and B2B Business Development in International and multi-cultural business environments
3 年Damian, What a heart warming and appropriate tribute to Joe. My 1st job out of undergrad was at L’eggs a Division of Hanes when Joe Neely was President of L’eggs. Business discipline and a financial planning process was instilled in me at that time that I still use today. Leaders and Gentlemen like Joe do not come along everyday. I am blessed and thankful that I was fortunate enough to learn from him at an early age. Beautifully written….