Obituary of William Garland Nealy

William Garland Nealy passed away at his daughter’s home on January 28, 2022, in Farmers Branch, TX after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 90. Garland was the 3rd child born to William Franklin Nealy and Bertie Susan (Evette) Nealy in Pickens, South Carolina on June 13, 1931. He grew up attending Griffin Baptist Church in Pickens. He married his high school sweetheart in 1948, they had one daughter (Joyce), and they divorced in 1973. He spent most of his life doing what he loved most – cooking. He worked first as a cook in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, then worked his way up within Morrison’s Food Services to become Vice President of the Industrial Division. After moving to Dallas, he continued to cook for many friends and family. He especially enjoyed helping his neighbor, Mary Rowe, with her catering business. However, he most loved sharing his love for cooking with his two grandchildren, his pride and joy, and many of their friends. Garland held many titles during his time on earth, but the one that gave him the biggest smile was “Pop.” He was lovingly called “Pop” by nearly everyone he met, but it had a sweeter ring to it when his grandchildren and great-grandchildren said it. He is preceded in death by his parents, William (Bill) and Bertie Nealy, and two sisters, Wilma McKinney and Lounelle Simmons. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Joyce and Paul Lonquist of Farmers Branch, TX; his grandson, Kyle Lonquist, wife, Lacie, great-grandson, Jordan, and great-granddaughter, Emmersyn Grace, of Paris, TX; his granddaughter, Katie, and husband, Chase Thomas, of Carrollton, TX; his sister, Francis, and husband, Larry Giese, of Greenville, SC; his brother, Carl Nealy, and wife, Gail, of Braselton, GA; special friend, Betty Smith, of Fayetteville, AR; and many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at 10:00 AM in the Chapel at Prestonwood Baptist Church, 6801 W Park Blvd, Plano, TX. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Food Pantry at Good News Baptist Church, Ianca, Romania. Donations should be sent to Evangelical Missions to Romania, 624 Burnswick Isles Way, Frisco, TX 75034. Please note “Garland Nealy Memorial or Food Pantry” on your donation.