Community Honors Rev. Kirk Hudson Neely: A Life Dedicated to Service and Inspiration

A Life of Service: Remembering Rev. Kirk Hudson Neely

In Spartanburg, family and friends are gathering to remember and celebrate the life of the beloved pastor, counselor, writer and outdoorsman, the Rev. Kirk Hudson Neely, who passed away surrounded by loved ones on December 12, aged 80.

A true man of many talents, Neely held a multitude of roles throughout his vibrant life – he was an author, an artist, and an Eagle Scout, even serving as a longtime contributor to local publications. His final column was a poignant piece that encapsulated his essence: “I am writing this last column from a room in Mary Black Hospital,” he penned, “I have been blessed this week by the mercies of caregivers and strangers who are helping me to set new goals, look ahead, and learn to put my best foot forward again.”

A Prolific Writer

Neely was a prolific writer who left behind dozens of cherished works. Some of his best-known titles include “Comfort and Joy: Stories for Christmas”, “A Good Mule Is Hard to Find and Other Tales from Red Clay Country” and “Banjos, Barbecue, and Boiled Peanuts and Other Tales from the South,” all of which were published by the Hub City Writers Project in Spartanburg.

A statement released by the Neely family pays tribute to a man whose absence has left a void in their lives. Neely’s legacy lays in his faith, his commitment to family, his warmth and humor, and his tireless work in building community. He served others with love, with service, and goodwill towards all.

Remembered by His Comrades

Former-Mayor Bill Barnet spoke highly of Neely’s life of service, celebrating him as a thoughtful, caring individual who was always willing to make his community a better place. Rabbi Yossi Liebowitz, a longtime friend of Neely, recounted their cheeky outings to a Chinese restaurant and the peaceful times reading the Psalms to Neely during his final days.

His educational journey included a bachelor of science in biology and chemistry from Furman University, master of divinity, and doctoral degrees in pastoral counseling from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He was also a Merrill Fellow at the divinity school at Harvard University. He served in pastoral roles across many churches and institutions, touching countless lives along the way.

Scouting Success

Besides his service in the church, Neely was an Eagle Scout, a title he held close to his heart. His long-time involvement in scouting led him to earn the National Eagle Scout Association’s Outstanding Eagle Award and the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. Taylor Thomas, a scout who worked closely with Neely, said that Neely’s love for scouting was evident and it was a big part of his ministry and personal journey.

Neely is survived by his wife, Clare Long Neely; his children, Michael, Scott, Kristofer, and Betsy; his daughter-in-law, June Neely Kern; and beloved bonus son, Elton Ndoma-Ogar; his siblings, Bill, Lawton, Beth, Jeslyn, Mamie, and Kitty Neely; and 13 grandchildren.

A celebration of Neely’s life will be held on December 20, at the First Presbyterian Church, set to honor a man who made it his life’s work to comfort, inspire, and be of service to his community.