Vernon Leo Nealey, 91, of Chadbourn went home to be with the Lord on Monday, August 3, 2026, while in the Lower Cape Fear Angel House in Whiteville, NC.
Leo was born on February 7, 1935, son of the late Maude Nobles Nealey and William “Bill” Andrew. He was the devoted husband of 73 years to Mildred Larrine Nealey. Together they raised four children and built a home on the outskirts of Chadbourn. He spent his life tilling the land, growing tobacco, soybeans, sweet potatoes and corn. During these years he taught his family about patience, resilience and determination. He retired from farming in 1995, however planting and growing were in his blood. He continued to plant and sell collards, turnips, and peanuts for another 20 years. Folks came from all over to buy his produce and usually left with more than they came for. For the best seeds he ever planted were the seeds of faith. He always shared the love of Jesus with meekness, kindness and a genuine concern for others.
He enjoyed attending church until his health declined. He was cherished and adored by not only his church family at the Church of God of Prophecy in Chadbourn but at churches all around the county. Wherever a revival was going on, that’s where he wanted to be. Although his illness came to hinder his attendance and often his memory, Leo never forgot how to pray. When he prayed, it was always with the simplest, down-to-earth, heartfelt words and always with such gratitude for God’s amazing grace.
Leo was a man of short stature but a towering man by far of integrity, humility and strength. If you were to ask his children or grandchildren, “Pa Leo”, in their eyes was always ten feet tall and bulletproof. His life marked by compassion, humor, and deep devotion will continue always in the hearts of all that were deeply blessed by his presence in this life. The seeds that he planted will continue to flourish because of the tenderness and love he instilled in each of them.
Left to carry his legacy are his cherished wife, two children, Vernon Nealey of Conway, SC, Patricia “Ann” Smith and husband Brady of Chadbourn, daughter-in-law Joyce Nealy of Molly, ten grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, 17 great-great grandchildren, and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Leona Soles, Garland Nealey, Wilmer Nealey, infant sister Mary Ruth Nealey, children Rhonda Cain and Mitchell Valerie Nealey, son-in-law Larry W. Cain Sr., daughter-in-law Joy Nealey, three grandchildren Curtis Cain, Laura Perritte, and Eugene Smith, and one great grandchild Carter Mincey.
Isaiah 40:31- But those that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.
Funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 PM on Friday, August 7, 2026 at Worthington Funeral Home with Pastor John McPherson and Pastor Mack Watts officiating. Burial will follow in the Chadbourn Memorial Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 PM on Thursday, at the funeral home.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Lower Cape Fear Lifecare and the staff of A New Beginning Home Care Agency for their sincere and compassionate care given during this time.
Worthington Funeral Home
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