Nealy Kay Wallick, 79, of Colchester, Illinois passed away at 5:03 A.M. on Sunday July 6, 2025, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois. He was born on November 27, 1945, in Avon, Illinois to William and Dorothy (Orr) Wallick. After graduation, he married his high school sweetheart Judy Ann Aten on November 6, 1964, in Nashua, Iowa.
Survivors include his children, Brigid Wolfe of Madison, Wisconsin and Lisa Smith of Bushnell, Illinois; one grandchild, Kylie Flynn of St. Louis, Missouri.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Judy.
Nealy was a proud union member and a strong supporter of the NRA. Early on he worked at McGraw-Edison while attending Quincy Technical School for HVAC. Upon completion, he worked at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant. He was particularly proud of his 29-year long career at Western Illinois University’s physical plant.
After his retirement, he continued to be a handyman for his friends and neighbors. His most prized possession was his 2005 Ford Mustang he deemed, “White Lightning.” This purchase led him into one of his favorite hobbies, drag racing. Nealy spent numerous hours at McDonalds “The Office,” with his friends and previous coworkers. He thoroughly enjoyed their discussions over cars, politics, and family life.
Cremation rites have been accorded. The family will meet with friends from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the Jones Funeral Chapel in Colchester. Friends may view the pictures and sign the register book at the funeral home from 8:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Friday, July 18, 2025, and from 8:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Saturday. Private burial will take place at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in Macomb at a later date. Memorial is to the McDonough County Animal Shelter. Condolences and memories can be expressed to the family at jonesmortuaryfh.com.
