Floyd Earl Neely, age 77, of Gardendale, passed away Saturday, October 11, 2008. Mr. Neely was born January 27, 1931. Mr. Neely retired as the building manager of the 2121 Building after 36 years and was a Past-Potentate of Zamora Temple in 1996. Mr. Neely was survived by his wife of 60 years, Doris (Wilder); his daughter, Debra Arnold (Wayburn); grandchildren, Eric Earl Arnold, Erica Michelle Hughes (Brian); his pride and joy great-grandson, Lawson Hughes; his sister, Avuleen Franklin (William); adopted sons, Truman Borden, wife Joan, Phillip Busby, wife Liz and Willie Wyatt, wife Antonette; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and a host of friends; and constant companion his dog, Rocky. Mr. Neely was an avid Alabama Football fan. Mr. Neely was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1952, he spent 375 days in the Korean War as a CB radio operator for the Air Force. Mr. Neely joined Sam Thompson Masonic Lodge in Morris in 1952 and transferred to Gardendale Lodge No. 907 in 1954. He served as Master of Gardendale Lodge in 1959. He joined Zamora Temple in 1956 and served as leader of Motor Corps Drill Team from 1959 to 1985. During that time, he served as president of SASMC and DASMC. He rode in approximately 75 competition drills, winning many trophies in Dixie, SASMC, and DASMC. Under his leadership, the Motor Corps won first place in all three plus the Little Brown Jug in 1985. He was instrumental in organizing Zamora Motorized Units and was elected honorary Past President of this association. In addition to his Motor Corps duties, he was appointed to the Potentate’s Staff in 1986 by Potentate Jimmy Morton and was appointed to the Divan by Potentate Pokey Forrester in 1987. He has taught Masonic lessons to over 37 Brothers, all of whom joined Zamora Temple, including son-in-law, grandson and grandson-in-law. Mr. Neely’s family would like to express their appreciation to Alabama Regional Hospice and Southern Care employees Pat, Toni, Priscilla and Scott. Funeral Services were held in the chapel at Gardendale Funeral Home.

Gardendale Funeral Home, 2214 Decatur Highway, Gardendale, AL 35071, (205) 631-8810, www.GardendaleFuneralHome.com