Former West Virginia Supreme Court Justice Richard Neely dies

Neely was recently diagnosed with liver cancer, according to Supreme Court Public Information Officer Jennifer Bundy. 

"His wife, sons, and closest friends were there with him when he died," Bundy said.

Neely was a Dartmouth College graduate and then also graduated from the Yale Law School.

He was awarded the Bronze Star as an artillery captian in Vietnam.

After Vietnam, Neely opened his own law office in Fairmont and was quickly elected to the House of Delegates in 1970.

Earlier this year, Neely discussed his experience with WV News.

“I served on the court as a justice and chief justice for 22 years, so I have a good idea how to be an effective Supreme Court justice. However, in addition to that, I have now had 25 years of serious law practice experience: I represented Margaret Arneault in the largest divorce ever litigated in West Virginia; I have done class actions on the part of residents affected by chemical leaks and consolidated actions for neighborhoods that were being torn apart by overloaded coal trucks; I have represented business in fights with other businesses and the government," Neely said.

Several currently sitting West Virginia Supreme Court justices expressed their condolences to the Neely family in statements released Monday afternoon.

“Justice Neely dedicated his life to our state’s judicial system as a Justice, practicing attorney and author,” said Chief Justice Tim Armstead. “I first got to know Justice Neely when he was my economics professor at the University of Charleston. He leaves a lasting legacy and his work will live on for many years to come. I send my sincere condolences to his family.”

“I served with Richard Neely for six years and he was truly one-of-a kind!” said Justice Margaret Workman. “He had a colorful personality, a razor-sharp wit, a brilliant mind and a rambunctious sense of humor. He was a lot of fun to work with; and we could disagree on issues without being personally disagreeable. In the 23 years he served on the Court, he left an immense body of work. My deepest condolences to Carolyn, Chase, and John.”

“This is very sad news. Justice Neely’s life was unique in so many respects and his judicial service to the people of West Virginia extensive. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family,” said Justice Evan Jenkins.

Justice John Hutchison said, "I am saddened to learn of the passing of former Justice Neely. His service to the state and to West Virginia’s community of lawyers was significant. He was dedicated to the advancement of the law and the legal profession in our state."

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., issued a brief statement upon learning of Neely's passing.

“Justice Neely was a wonderful man, great legal mind, and a good and loyal friend to our family. Our thoughts go to Carolyn and the entire Neely family. I know Charlie and I will miss seeing Richard and Carolyn on their daily walks around Charleston. What a loss," Capito said.

Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., also released a statement.

“Gayle and I send our heartfelt condolences to Justice Richard Neely’s wife, Carolyn, his sons, John and Whittaker, and their entire family. Richard has been a close family friend since his days as a young lawyer in Fairmont after returning from serving in Vietnam.

"Richard continued to give back to his community, serving in the House of Delegates and later becoming a West Virginia Supreme Court Justice, serving West Virginians until 1995. This is a sad day for all West Virginians, and our thoughts and prayers are with Richard’s family and loved ones who are mourning this loss.”

U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh yweeted, "Godspeed to my friend Justice Neely. Any day litigating with Richard was an entertaining one."

The Kanawha County Commission also released a statement saying that "with deep sorrow," the commission "recognizes the loss of the Honorable Justice Richard Neely. We grieve the loss of our fellow Kanawha Countian."

Gov. Justice also said "we acknowledge all of his great service and the incredible wisdom he gave to the state of West Virginia.

Neely is the grandson of Matthew Mansfield Neely, who served as a U.S. senator, a U.S. representative and 21st governor of West Virginia, from January 1941 to January 1945.