Mr. Charles Paul Nealey, 79, of Ellijay, GA passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2026.

Mr. Nealey was born on October 31, 1946, in Gilmer County to the late Jess Willard Nealey and Mildred Henson Nealey. He was a lifelong resident of Gilmer County. After graduating from Gilmer County High School in 1964, he worked for the USPS, the GA Dept. of Transportation, and Lockheed Martin. He was an honorably discharged military veteran of the Vietnam War era. But professionally, he was most successful in the banking field. Paul started working for the Bank of Ellijay working bad debt collections and climbed all the way to President and CEO. After retiring from the Bank of Ellijay, he went to work at Jasper Banking Company, where he again achieved the position of President and CEO. He was also a part owner of Ronnie Thompson Ford in Ellijay.

Paul was, or had been, a member of several community groups including: The Masonic bodies of Ellijay, Limestone Valley Soil and Water Conservation Board, the Gideons, Lions Club, Rotary Club, the Gilmer County Library Board, and Piedmont Hospital of Jasper Board. He was also the Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year for 2021. He was a member of First Baptist Church Ellijay for around 50 years.

Above all, Paul loved his family deeply. He took great pride in his son, Ryan, and treasured the life he built with his beloved wife, Diane Drennon Nealey. Paul and Diane were married on June 30, 1973, and shared more than 50 years of marriage together before her passing in April of 2025.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Nealey is preceded in death by his wife, Diane Drennon Nealey, and brother-in-law Terry Smith, all of Ellijay. He is survived by his son, Ryan of Kennesaw (fiancée Brianna), sister Jeanette Smith, nephew Frank Smith and wife Elizabeth and daughter Winry.

Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, October 4th at 2pm from the First Baptist Church in Ellijay, GA with Rev. Billy Nealey, Rev. Josh Moyers, and Dr. David Drake officiating. Prayer by Rev. James Holt. Interment will follow in the Ellijay City Cemetery with Rev. Sam Snider officiating. Music will be by Bill McVey. Masonic rites by the Oak Bowery Lodge #81 F & AM.

The following gentlemen will be serving as pallbearers, Larry Tankersley, George Winn, Marvin Chance, Floyd Edmondson, Edgar Parks, Ronnie Ghesling, Frank Smith, and Billy Simmons. Honorary pallbearers will be, Jimmy Nealey, Brook Ali, the Oak Bowery Lodge #81, and the First Baptist Church Senior Adult Men’s Class.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 3rd from 2 pm until 6 pm at the funeral home.

Flowers are accepted or donations may be made to the Oak Bowery Lodge #81 perpetual fund, Scottish Rite - Valley of Atlanta, or Ellijay Chapter of Gideons in Memory of Mr. Nealey.

The family respectfully ask no food be brought to the funeral home.

Bernhardt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.