Richard Nealis

UPDATED

Mr. Richard John Nealis, 64, of Mt. Airy passed away Friday, March 12, 2021 at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston Salem. He was born in Matawan, N.J., on March 7, 1957 to the late Thurman Earl and Mary Frances O’Donnell Nealis. Mr. Nealis bravely served in the U.S. Air Force, working as 42652 jet engine mechanic. He was employed as a millwright with Weyerhaeuser in Elkin. Mr. Nealis was a dedicated member of Holy Angels Roman Catholic Church, an active member of Knights of Columbus. He was a former member and President of the FL Chapter of the ABATE Club. He was a great man, a loving husband, and wonderful father, brother, and faithful friend. Mr. Nealis enjoyed motorcycles, hunting, fishing, avid gardener, and car enthusiast. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Karen Ann Zettle Nealis; daughters, Rebecca Jewell and husband Jeffrey Carden, Rachel Jazmine Nealis and partner Joshua Moore; grandchildren, Ashley, Shaylee, and Sarah; two great grandchildren; sisters and brothers-in-law. Sharon Rosen, Susan Root and Greg, Dawn Trause and Jeff, Diane Swanekamp and John, and twin sister, Robin Casper; brother, Neil Nealis; twelve nieces and nephews; life-long friends, Aaron and Pam Thames, Ashely Hill, and Joseph Blechinger. In addition to his parents, Mr. Nealis was preceded in death by a brother-in-law Steve Rosen; and friend Levi Granger. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 AM, at Holy Angels Roman Catholic Church, August 7, 2021. Mr. Nealis had a love for history and enjoyed volunteering at The Mt. Airy Regional Museum, therefore, the family has requested that any memorial contributions be made to the Mt. Airy Regional Museum, 301 N. Main St., Mt. Airy, NC 27030. If you choose to send flowers, please wait until the service in August. Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.

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