Reverend J. Marshall Neathery

Reverend J. Marshall Neathery, 82, of Rolesville, passed away Sunday, October 26, 2025. He was born on October 2, 1943, in Henderson, NC, to the late William Thomas Neathery Jr. and Mary Norwood Neathery. Raised on a tobacco farm, he was a proud native of Vance County.

Rev. Neathery was a graduate of Townsville High School, Campbell University, and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He devoted fifty-three years to faithfully serving the Lord in pastoral ministry (Browns, Middleburg, New Sandy Creek, Rolesville, and Island Creek Baptist Churches). He was honored with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s most distinguished civilian award, in recognition of his thirty years of enduring dedication and love for the Rolesville Baptist Church and community. In gratitude for his fifteen years of loyal commitment and love, the Island Creek Baptist Church congregation presented Rev. and Mrs. Neathery with an American flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in their honor. In addition, church members established an endowed scholarship in his name at Campbell University’s Divinity School, a lasting tribute to his faith, service, and commitment to ministry. A passionate historian, genealogist, and storyteller, he found great joy in studying the American Civil War, tracing his family’s lineage, and bringing laughter to those around him.

Above all, Rev. Neathery will be remembered for his steadfast faith, his deep love and care for his family, and his devotion to his congregations, as well as the countless lives he touched through his ministry and friendship.

He is survived by his devoted wife of fifty-five years (m. November 9, 1969), Kaye Frances (Currin), and by his children John M. Neathery Jr. (April), Julie N. Wiggins (Patrick), Joanna N. Crow (Kevin), and Justin T. Neathery Sr. (Jennifer). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Justin Jr, Joshua, Edward, Jordan, Dylan, John Marshall III, Savannah, McKenzie, Porter, Hallie, great-grandson Edward Marshall Neathery Jr, and his loving sister Frances Neathery Winslow (Roy). He is also survived by his in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends whom he loved very much.

Rev. Neathery’s life has been a remarkable witness to faith, leadership, and service, and he has left a profound legacy for all who knew him.

Funeral services will be held at 2 o’clock Sunday afternoon, November 2, 2025 at Island Creek Baptist Church, 950 Stagecoach Road, Henderson, NC 27537. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4:00pm-6:00pm Saturday, November 1, 2025 in the Sanctuary of Rolesville Baptist Church, 203 E. Young St., Rolesville, NC 27571.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Reverend J. Marshall Neathery Divinity School Endowed Scholarship Fund at Campbell University (P.O. Box 4050, Buies Creek, NC 27506) or to a church of your choice, honoring his lifelong dedication to faith, education, and service.

A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center. (919-556-5811)