Clint Neeley and Family

In this journey we call life, it amazes me how we bump into all kinds of people. To some we give the nod of hello, some are a hand shake and some are just another face in the crowd. The person or people I would like to tell you about are way beyond a nod, hand shake or another face in the crowd. The people I'm talking about are the kind that can have an everlasting effect to your life...

Almost a year after graduating high school, I started going to a church in Rockingham by the name of Maple Street Free Will Baptist. I was working 3rd shift in a yarn mill and my life was just getting started in the real world. I knew sooner or later I would make a few friends but little did I know I was about to make a friend that would have that everlasting effect I was just telling you about. His name is Clint Neeley.

After church service one night he walked over and asked me if I'd be interested in grabbing a bite to eat with him and Amy... and the rest is as they say, history.

At this moment in time, Clint was the manager of a Captain D's fast food restaurant where he worked along with Amy. Not long after that, he was hired as the manager of a Burger King, then got into insurance several months later. Clint remained in the insurance business for several years... married Amy... and then joined the police force a couple years after being married.

As for me, I was single at the time and really confused about so many things, it's a wonder Clint would even consider me as a friend. Clint and I would still get together to hang out from time to time and although our friendship was good, something was missing from my end. To make a long story short, I just didn't know where my place in this world was and desperately needed to find it. So I moved. You know how it goes, you start making another way of life and it's easy to get caught up in everything. He had his life going here and mine seemed to be going there.... you can easily lose contact even when you're only a couple hours away. If you've ever experienced a true friendship from someone, then you know they're hard to find.

After a reopening of My Space, I quickly noticed Amy's profile and knew this was my chance to get back to the good ole days with my friends. A few clicks here and there and it was all set up. Next thing you know were cutting up again.

Clint and Amy just celebrated their 12th anniversary with their two kids Caleb and Cameron. Clint is a Sgt. with the Hamlet police department and will be leaving December 1st for Iraq. Looks like my timing was good. As I write this story, I can't help but to think of the good memories we had. It's a little strange you know.... I never imagined a friendship like this would emerge from an invitation to Hardees....an invitation I'm glad I responded to.

God speed Clint, I know you can handle the journey that lies ahead of you. I'm sure your family will be open arms when you return. This story is dedicated to Clint Neely... a true friend I would trust with my life... his wife Amy, Caleb his son and Cameron his daughter. Thanks for everything.