"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. " - 2 Timothy 4:7

It is with earthly sorrow, we announce the passing of The Reverend Dr. Rudolph Neely , age 72, of Monticello, Florida, who transitioned from labor to reward on Friday, January 30, 2026.

Viewing-visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Friday, February 6, 2026, at the TILLMAN OF MONTICELLO CHAPEL (850-997-5553) .

Homegoing Services for God's Servant, The Reverend Dr. Rudolph Neely will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Greater Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, 690 Cypress Street, Monticello, FL 32344, with the interment being private.

Reverend Doctor Rudolph Neely was born on April 9, 1953, in Monticello, Florida, to the late Earnest (Deelum) Neely, Sr. and Sallie Mae Arnold Neely. After the passing of his mother at an early age, Rudolph was lovingly raised by his grandmother, Mattie Hodge Miller, and his great-aunt, Laney Hodge, who played a vital role in shaping his life and faith. After a long illness, he beckoned to his Saviors call on January 30, 2026.

A lifelong resident of Monticello, Florida, Rudolph accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at the age of 15. His early spiritual foundation was rooted at Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church, where his faith journey began.

Rudolph graduated from high school in 1971 and proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He later earned his Doctorate Degree in Theology, dedicating his life to ministry and service. He retired professionally as a heavy equipment operator for Jefferson County, while also faithfully serving the Kingdom of God for nearly 40 years.

Revered Doctor Neely pastored the following churches: Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church, Monticello, Florida for 2 years, Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, Wakulla, Florida for 13 years, and New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Mount Pleasant, Florida for 17 years. He retired from active ministry after almost four decades of faithful service to the Lord. He was also a devoted member of Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church, Paul Bearer #25, and served as Vice President of the Monticello House-to-House Prayer Band.

On August 12, 1977, Rudolph was united in Holy Matrimony to Janie Mae Steen Neely, and together they shared 48 beautiful years and 5 months of love, commitment, and faith. From this union, five children were born. He was a devoted husband, father, granfather, and great-grandfather who cherished his family deeply.

Reverend Doctor Neely leaves to cherish his most precious memories, His loving wife: Janie Mae Neely; Sons: Kenyatta (Lisa) Steen, Jonathan Steen, and Dominic Neely; Daughter: Evangelist Karena (Minister Jervaris) Meeks, Sr.; Brothers: Willie Lee (Michelle) Arnold, Joseph (Betty) Nealy,  Earnest (Latonya) Nealy, Jr.; Sisters: Anna Grace Virgil, Thelma Jean Brooks, and Patricia Nealy. He also leaves a host of 23 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and a multitude of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earnest and Sallie Neely; his grandmother, Mattie Hodge Miller; his great-aunt, Laney Hodge; brothers, Berthel Nealy and Harold Nealy; and his daughter, Jasmine Neely-Wooten.

It is our esteemed honor to have been entrusted with the care of Reverend Dr. Neely and to serve the Neely Family.