Dewhitt Clinton Neely, affectionately known as "Daddy Dee, Dee, and D.C.", peacefully transitioned from labor to reward on May 31, 2014. He was born to the late Elizabeth and Joseph Frank Neely on June 15, 1925 in Cooleemee, NC.

Dewhitt was educated in the Rowan County School system and graduated from Price High School. After High school, Dewhitt enlisted in the United States Army and was honorably discharged at the Rank of Sergeant.

After serving his country, Dewhitt enrolled in Winston-Salem State University in W-S, NC and earned a Bachelor's degree in Education. He earned a Master's Degree from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, NC and furthered his studies at Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, IN. Dewhitt was also a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. He was a Math educator and counselor in the High Point school system, the New York school system and the North Wilkesboro school system. He was a well-trained chef who enjoyed sharing his culinary cuisine with friends and family. He later retired as Town Councilman in Rural Hall, NC where he enjoyed his work and had an unending commitment to his community and honored to have his street "Neely Way" named after him.
Dewhitt enjoyed baseball and basketball games and spending quality time with his family. He was a kind, intelligent, and generous man. He enjoyed meeting new people and engaging them with his vast vocabulary and knowledge.

Dewhitt was preceded in death by his loving parents, Elizabeth and Joseph Frank Neely; and his brother, Gene Neely.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Margaret Neely; daughters, Michelle Cannady (Bronell) and Marseille Neely-Wright (Kerin); a son, Meredith Dewhitt Neely (Tamara); five grandchildren, Chanel Canady, Marc Slade, Bronell Cannady II, Joseph Frank Neely II, and Makayla Neely; two great-grandchildren, Cameron Fleming and Terrell Fleming II; four sisters-in-law, Margaret H. Neely, Marcella Lewis, Muriel Studevent, Randal Studevent and brother-in-law, Willie Studevent; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10am Monday, June 9, 2014 at United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Prince Raney Rivers officiating. Interment will follow in Salisbury National Cemetery, Salisbury, NC. The family visitation will be held from 9am until 10am on Monday at the Church.