David McNeely

David McNeely passed from this life surrounded by family and friends at UT Hospital on the evening of February 18, 2026 after an extended illness. He is survived by his mother Carol McNeely, sister Teresa Hardy, brother Mike McNeely(Christie Oakley), loving partner Rhonda Clevenger, bonus children Michael Paxton, Mason Paxton(Lexie), Sydnee Broyles(Peyton), and Mason Middleton(Baylee), uncles Danny White(Susan) and Bill Chapman, nieces and nephews Logan McNeely, Lauren O’Brien, Jake McNeely, Cara Hardy, Sabrina Hardy, and a host of special cousins Kathy Hagman, Susan Woody, Sam Chapman, Joseph White, Gabe White, I.J. White, Emily Cook, Jeff White, Anna White and many more family, and friends. David was also a special Papaw to Bo and Bennett Broyles. He was preceded in death by his father Tom McNeely.

He was a big man-big in stature, big in presence. The kind of man who filled a doorway before he even stepped through it. When he laughed, the room joined him. When he was quiet, you noticed that too. In his earlier chapters, that size and strength seemed made for the fast lane. He was more likely to be found riding down a road in his Mustang chasing horizons and socializing with friends. If there was a rulebook, he skimmed it. If there was a story that began with, “This might be a bad idea…” — he was already in. Life took lots of twists and turns for David even allowing him the opportunity to play an important role in Mason and Michael Paxton’s lives as they grew into young men that he was so very proud of. As time went on, he met Rhonda. They shared many adventures together over the years that often included their love of the beach and sports. With Rhonda, he gained two grown children Sydnee Broyles and Mason Middleton who would become his own in every way that mattered. He showed up. He stood steady. He loved them without qualifiers, without disclaimers. And of course there was his most devoted sidekick, his little dog Zoey. He loved all things UT VOLS but especially UT football. Ask him a question and he could give you the stats. In the fall, Saturdays were football all day. He proved that a man’s past doesn’t define his legacy — his choices do. He leaves a lifetime of stories that will grow taller every time they’re told — fitting for a man who was larger than life in every way.

Some men burn fast and fade out. He burned bright, then built a fire that warmed everyone around him. In the end, the wild, big man became the steady one. And that may have been his greatest adventure of all.

Receiving of Friends will be Saturday February 28,2026 from 1:00-3:00pm at Farrar Funeral Home, White PIne. Celebration of life to follow at Angelos (The Point) 122 Boat Dock Dr. Dandridge, TN 37725 from 3:30-6:00pm.

The Family requests in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Morristown Hamblen Humane Society, 5251 E Morris Blvd., Morristown, TN 37813 or an Animal Shelter of your choice.