Brian McNeely Obituary

Our family has many fond memories of Brian as he dated my sister-in-law's sister for several years. He was always so much fun--my children loved him--he always was willing to throw a ball with them or wrestle. He was so full of life. My husband, John, passed away two years ago--I know they are having a great time catching up. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. He will be missed by his many friends and relatives.

To My friend Brian,

I was there on Monday as we set your ashes a drift into the sea that you shared with us on so many wonderful occasions. I wish I would have said this that night, but will say it hear. A quote from Leo Kottke and his song "Tiny Island" brings your life to my mind. " I wish I had a tiny Island floating in the sea, palm trees sway, don't get in the way, it is a tropical ease, endless waves at the end of our days and the sighing of the sea." I know you now have all that and more brother. We all will miss you with all our hearts. Good bye my old friend.

Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Brian’s family. This is really a shock to Linda and I, and our neighborhood. Brain is the second soldier to leave us in the past couple of months, following Ken. Brian and I have been neighbors and friends for several years, stood ready to do each other favors, borrowed books and tools back and forth, and often discussed affairs of the complex, the city and the world. I know he fought adversity because of his serious back condition, operations and inability to work for periods. Certainly, it won’t be the same around here without Brian. Brian, may God bless you. Perhaps, He already has.

Michael and Leah,
It has been many years since our paths have crossed. I just heard about Brian from a friend that I used to surf with and was very troubled to hear the news. I just wanted you to both know that I was thinking of you and hope that we can catch up sometime.

Dearest Leah and Michael, I just heard about Brian and wanted to let you know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. I saw Brian at St. Marks the last time I was in Charleston last Spring. He always had a twinkle in his eye and we loved sharing tales of our childood.
Right about now, you should be at the wash-out, I am thinking of you and sending my loving support and prayers.
I know the pain in losing a brother, time helps and remembering the good times does too.
All my Love, Your Childhood Friend, Adona Kaye f.k.a Donna Ratlege

What a special person God blessed us with in Brian. We will miss his wonderful sense of humor and his gift with the teens of our church.

I did not know Brian very well but always found him to be a friendly, kind person. The last time I saw him was at my cousin Lise's funeral. He always struck me as very sincere, genuine person. I know you will miss him.

Brian and I worked together at Marianne Restaurant. I bought a print of a mother whale and her pup he had lovingly created over several years of diligence. I have reframed it now three times and I always think of him when I look at it. I remember Brian loved surfing and was a spritely fellow.

To his family and close friends I express my condolances for your loss, and know that even 32 years removed I feel it too. He was a loving guy whom I'm sure will be keeping an eye on us. Cheers my dear old friend and big breakers!! Love, Dervin

Our thought and prayers are with you. God Bless you.

Brian was a good friend, neighbor, and most of all a special friend to my kids (Melanie, Brittany, and Lee). His influence on them, especially Melanie will hopefully always stay with her. He referred to me as one of Festus' other moms. There's nothing Brian wouldn't have done for me or my kids. I have such fond memories of he and Festus coming up my driveway and Festus beating Brian to the door and into the house. We enjoyed many meals together and good times. Festus even came to the beach with me, my sister and kids on the day I got married. We made the mistake of saying we were going to the beach and Festus jumped into the car with us. He will be sadly missed, but the faith of knowing where he is gives me great peace. He truelly walked with God.

To all who had the pleasure of knowing brian, he was truly a very special gentlemam. I would like to pass on my condolences and thoughts to brians entire family as well as those that knew Brian. He will be missed but never forgotten. Terry(tree)Cuzzell

Leah and family, I hurt when i read the news. I didn,t see Brian much in the last few years but when i did, it was like i had seen him just yesterday. Everything in the obit is true about Brian. I only have fond memories of Brian when i think of him. We had alot of good times growing up at stono park and in west ashley. Always fun, always happy. This is the 1st time i,ve ever been sad when thinking of him. He had a strong constitution that i know followed him to heaven. Our loss is truly heavens gain! The good times have just begun for Brian and i know one day i,ll see him again and it will again, feel like i just saw him yesterday. I never actually told him i loved him but i think he knew that. Brian i love you and miss you. I,ll see you again one day. GODSPEED!!! Duke Sams

As a former Sunday School student and friend of Brian's, I can without a doubt list him as one of the people who has had a profound impact on my life. I know that I'll never forget some of the things he taught me, and I firmly believe that he's in a better place now - still surfing, no doubt. I look forward to the day when we can quote movies to each other that nobody appreciates as much as us again.

Oh My Gosh Leah- Jan passed on the news and I am truly in shock. I loved Brian and have so many fond memories of our high school friendship. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your brother. Love- Susan

Brian was a great neighbor, and I will truly miss seeing him and Festus on their daily bike ride/run. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear McNeely Family,
My heart is so heavy. I send you all my love and prayers. I worked with Brian at the carriage company for several years and were great friends. I am so truly saddened by this news. I cannot and will not ever forget him. I will remember how smart and funny his tours were, how he loved ice cream and candy, and how he spoke of such love for Festus. I promised Brian I would complete a painting of his dog, Festus. I hate myself for not finishing it in time, but I will finish it in his honor. If you can think of something appropriate to do with the painting please contact me anytime. I also cannot forgive myself for not trying to stay in better contact with Brian. The last time I spoke with him was on the phone, two weeks ago. The battery in my phone died in the middle of the conversation. I never got back in touch with him, and now it is too late. I hate myself for letting that be my last conversation with him. I will miss him so much. My prayers and thoughts are with all his friends and family.

Dear Michael and Leah,
I remember Brian so well and was sad to read of his passing. Brian and my Steve were the same age. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Michael, please call me 843 871 5328. I am living in Summerville at The Presbyterian Village. Love to both of you.
Shirley Kruger

MIcheal & Leah
My heart felt condolences about Brian. He will be missed by all of us.

Leah and Michael,
It's Paul Kinard from the old neighborhood. I was very shocked when I read the paper of Brian's death. We have kept in touch over the years and he lived only four blocks away from me. I just saw him the Wednesday before his death. I was walking my dog and ran into Brian getting his mail. We chatted for around 30 minutes. He was wearing a neck brace due to surgery, and seemed to be his usual upbeat self. We talked about the surgery, old times, his love for his dog and upcoming political events. My thought and prayers are with you and Brian. I am sorry I won't be able to attend his service next Saturday. I'll always remember and cherish the good times we had in the old neighborhood, as well as, recent times we shared.

To be McNeely Family,
I can only say that all of my childhood memories in Stono Park have some sort of rememberance of Brian in them. He will be sorely missed by many.

Brian was a great pal. He was someone you could rely on to be friendly, happy and giving. He will be missed.

When Brian worked for me you could always count on him......not to be there when the surf was up.

I'll bet the waves are overhead and glassy all the time where he is now.

You are in our prayers during this time of loss.

Mahalo
(May you be in Divine Breath)