John C. McNeely

Celebrating the Life Of

March 12, 1948 – November 10, 2023 Services November 18, 2023 Follower of Christ Baptist Church, Okahoma City, OK Services under the direction of McKay-Davis Oklahoma City, OK 73111 Interment Northfork Cemetery - Clearview, Oklahoma

John Charles was born Boris Vionn (later change his name) on March 12th, 1948, in Langston, Oklahoma to Gonzalo and Bessie McNeely.

He was the third of ten children and one of nine boys.

He attended FD Moon and Douglas High School in Oklahoma City.

At a young age, John dedicated his life to the Lord and became a member of the Church of God (W.H.P.W.O.B.).

He was baptized and accepted his calling as a preacher when he was just twelve years old.

He went on to preach in various locations, including Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas. John was also ordained as a minister and Overseer in the Church of God by his mentor, leader, and father figure, Bishop William J.

Fizer. Overseer McNeely played the piano. wrote songs and, for a period of time he directed the youth choir.

Bishop Fizer also taught John how to lay brick. He would later become a Master Bricklayer and general construction worker. In 1968 John was drafted in the US Army. He was stationed in Fort Polk, Louisiana, Fort Riley, Kansas and at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. While at Fort Sill he served as a cook for the Women’s Army Corps (WAC).

In 1967, John met and married the late Berdie G. Boykins. To this union four children were born.

In his free time, John enjoyed watching world news and events. He was a skilled chess player and was known for his captivating storytelling.

You could often find John pencil sketching and drawing. John is also remembered as being a well-dressed man and always full of laughter.

John’s legacy, spirit, and loving memory is cherished by his surviving family members. His son Curtis (Teresa), daughters Rochell and Teresa, and brothers Gonzalo McNeely (Mary-Lou) and Allen McNeely (Wanda), all reside in Oklahoma City. He is also survived by his brother James Knighten of Mobile, Alabama, and his brothers Isaac Knighten, Michael Knighten, Mitchell Knighten (Michaelene), and Daniel Knighten, all of Tulsa, Oklahoma. John is also survived by thirteen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. He leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, as well as his cherished friend Betty Lewis, and a host of other relatives and friends. John’s mother, father, and sons John and Herbert McNeely, brother Chez and sister Bonzorenia preceded him in death.

He is laid to rest next to his grandmother Knighten of Weleetka and is related to the Ray Owens family.

“Death leaves a heartache that no one can heal, but love leaves memory that no one can steal.”