STARVILLE — Willie James Neely, 70, died June 21, 2026, at his residence. 

Visitation will be from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, at Hairston and Hairston Funeral Home. Hairston and Hairston Funeral Home of Starkville is in charge of arrangements. 

Mr. Neely was born Oct. 10, 1955, in Starkville, to the late L.T. Neely and Julie Dale Plair. He was formerly employed in landscaping at Mississippi State University. 

He is survived by his wife, Martha V. Neely; sons, Timothy Hamilton, Christopher Neely, Jarvis Neely and Nicholas Neely; brothers, Shelby, Lt. Jr. and Winfred Douglas; sister, Jackie Randle; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.