Rev. Dr. Kirk Hudson Neely

Reverend Dr. Kirk Hudson Neely, cherished husband, father, grandfather, and esteemed community leader, died peacefully, surrounded by his family, on December 12, 2024, at the age of 80. Born in Spartanburg, S.C., on August 21, 1944, to the late Kirk and Louise Hudson Neely, Kirk was the oldest of eight children. He was a beloved pastor, counselor, author, artist, and friend whose wisdom, compassion, and storytelling enriched countless lives around the globe. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, wisdom, laughter, and service that profoundly impacted everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. 

Kirk was happily married to his darling Clare since 1966. Their marriage, spanning more than five decades, was a testament to their unwavering partnership and love. Together, they raised five children and helped to raise scores of others. The family home, built by Kirk's grandparents in 1937 following the Great Depression, has been a sanctuary of love and history, a place where many cherished memories were made, most recently by the presence of Kirk and Clare’s thirteen beloved grandchildren who lovingly refer to him as “PK,” Papa Kirk, or Santa. 

Kirk's dedication to faith was evident in his distinguished career. He attended Spartanburg public schools and graduated from Spartanburg High School in 1962. Kirk received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry from Furman University in 1966. He was licensed to the ministry by Taylors First Baptist Church, and he was ordained to Pastoral Ministry by Crescent Hill Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1970. He received his Master of Divinity (1970) and the Doctor of Ministry degrees in Pastoral Counseling (1973) from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He was named a Merrill Fellow at The Divinity School of Harvard University (1980), where he performed postdoctoral study. 

Kirk served for 16 years (1980–1996) as Associate Pastor of Family Ministries and Director of the Pastoral Counseling Center at First Baptist Spartanburg. Prior to that, he served as Pastor of Family Ministries at Knollwood Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina (1973–1980). 

Early in his ministry, Kirk served as pastoral counselor and chaplain at a state mental hospital, a child evaluation clinic, an institution for juveniles, and a general hospital, all in Kentucky. 

From 1996 until 2014, he served as Senior Pastor of Morningside Baptist Church. After retirement, he continued his ministry in various roles. Even to the day of his death, Kirk considered everyone he had ever pastored to be part of his congregation. His love for his people was abiding even to his last breath. 

Kirk shared his profound knowledge and love of all religions as a professor at the University of South Carolina Upstate. His commitment to guiding others extended to his role as a Pastoral Counselor at First Presbyterian Church in Spartanburg, where his compassionate counsel provided solace to many. His influence reached even further through his supply preaching, touching the hearts of numerous congregations with his inspiring sermons, endless stories, and deep spiritual insights. 

An accomplished author, Kirk’s literary contributions include devotionals, short stories, novels, and a weekly column which he maintained until just weeks before his death. His writing not only captivated readers but also enriched their understanding of faith and history, leaving an indelible mark on all who read his work. In the end, his children helped him write and, on his last day, he made plans with his family to help him finish several books posthumously. 

Beyond his professional and spiritual endeavors, Kirk was an avid lover of the great outdoors. An Eagle Scout, his enthusiasm for Boy Scouts of America began in his youth and continued throughout his life. All four of Kirk’s sons are Eagle Scouts and many of his grandchildren follow in his footsteps. Kirk believed in the values of scouting and dedicated much of his time mentoring young scouts, guiding them in their journeys to living up to the Scout Oath of being trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and, most of all, reverent. 

Kirk was also a passionate hiker and fisherman, often finding solace and inspiration in the natural beauty of the outdoors. He spent countless hours with his family exploring trails, fishing in serene lakes, and immersing himself in the tranquility of nature. He spent many nights under the stars, teaching his children to camp. He took his grandchildren on an annual fishing trip every spring he was able. 

These activities were not merely hobbies for Kirk; they were an extension of his deep appreciation for God’s creation. His keen eye, encyclopedic knowledge, and connection to the natural world were infectious, inspiring many to share in his enthusiasm for outdoor adventures. Late in life, when he could no longer spend time in nature, his family created an indoor collage of images of the forests he loved, naming that portion of the family home “PK’s Woods,” which still stands today. 

A dedicated Master Gardener, Kirk found great joy in tending to his own garden. His backyard, certified as a wildlife refuge by the National Wildlife Federation, was a testament to his commitment to preserving nature and providing a sanctuary for wildlife. It was a place where he could blend his love for gardening with his spiritual devotion, creating a harmonious space that brought him great peace. 

Kirk’s life was a beautiful story, written with the themes of faith, family, community, and a profound love for the natural world. His wisdom, kindness, and dedication were evident in every aspect of his life, from his professional achievements to his personal relationships, which were many. Kirk’s ability to make a life-long friend kept him surrounded by people who loved him dearly. 

Kirk leaves behind a legacy that will endure through the lives he touched. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many communities he served. Kirk’s memory will live on through the love he shared, the wisdom he imparted, the laughter he so freely gave, the stories he told, and the faith he embodied every day of his remarkable life. As we remember Kirk, we celebrate a life well-lived. 

Second only to his devotion to God, Kirk was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who cherished his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Clare Long Neely; his children, Michael Kirk McNeil (Michelle), Scott Jackson Neely (Betsy Claire), Kristofer Mitchell Neely (Sarah Patrice), and Betsy Neely Sikma (Jason); his daughter-in-love, June Neely Kern (Ian); and beloved bonus son, Elton Ndoma-Ogar (Tyciana); grandchildren, Reuben McNeil; Anastasia Szmul; Virginia, Peter, Olive and Charlie Kern; Ben, Anne, Michael, Allie, and Caroline Neely; Wren Clare and Rowan Sikma, brothers Bill, and Lawton Neely, sisters, Beth Neely Hedden, Jeslyn Neely Wilson, Mamie Neely Suits, and Kitty Neely Cash, and a community that deeply mourns his passing. 

In addition to his parents, Kirk was predeceased by his son, Erik Hudson Neely, and brother, Bob Neely, both of whom he loved dearly. 

A celebration of Kirk’s life will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Friday, December 20, 2024, at 2:00 with a reception to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Palmetto Council of Scouting America. https://palmettocouncil.org/

First Presbyterian Church will be livestreaming the services at https://fpcspartanburg.org/worship/sermons. The livestream will appear approximately 30 minutes prior to the start of services, around 1:30pm.