Harlan Jay Jay McNeilly Jr. Obituary
Harlan Jay McNeilly Jr. 92, born in Andover, Ohio and a current resident of Newcomerstown, Ohio and North Port, Fl passed on Sunday, April 28, 2024 in his Florida home.
He was a 1949 graduate of Williamsfield Ohio High School. He was a Veteran of the Korean War from 1954-1956 as Army Private 2 Sharpshooter in Heavy Weapons Infantryman and completed eight years under UMT & Service Act. He received the National Defense Service Medal/Army of Occupation Medal. He was a lifetime member of the Newcomerstown Elk Lodge and The American Legion, Post 0431. He was a member of the Wayne Ohio Congregational Church. He was credited for starting the first recycling program in Wayne Township in the early 90's. Jay was an electrician, first with Ohio Edison and eventually Copperweld Steel in Warren Ohio where he retired in 1985 after 25 years of service.
When his children were young he was active in the 4-H, horse shows and trail riding. He drove trucks and farmed part time for Wagner Farms in Williamsfield. He loved country music, 50's rock and roll and dancing of all kinds. He enjoyed many home improvement projects, gardening and assisting his wife in their greenhouses. He was an avid reader and specifically loved his Louis L'Amour books. In his later years he was a master of solitaire and puzzles. He appreciated the beauty of nature and loved to enjoy the peace and calmness of his gentleman's farm on the hill in Newcomerstown.
He is preceded in death by parents Harlan Jay McNeilly Sr. (Shorty) and Luva White McNeilly of Wayne Township Ohio, his brother Dave McNeilly and sister Rita McNeilly both of Williamsfield, daughter Brenda Fenton of Bradenton, Fl and grandson Tyler McNeilly of Meadville. PA.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Barbara McNeilly, brother Mark McNeilly (Barbara) of Orwell, Ohio, and his children: Kathy Peyton (Jerry) of Mansfield Ohio; Tim McNeilly (Kathie) of Avon, Ohio; Jim McNeilly (Scarlet) of Cortland, Ohio; Deborah Billig (David) of North Port, FL; Barbara Hanson (David) of Cortland; Linda Fitch (John) of Mentor, Ohio; Barbara Stake (Denny) of Jamestown, PA and Robert H. McNeilly of Cedar Hill Texas. Jay was blessed with 22 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.
Memorial Service with military honors will be held at Addy Funeral Home of Newcomerstown, Ohio on Saturday, June 8 at 11:00 a.m. Final resting place will be in the National Military Cemetery in Sarasota FL. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jay's name to the Newcomerstown's American Legion or Elks Club.
