Joe Ray McNeal, Sr.

Joe Ray McNeal, Sr., of Pansey, Alabama went to be with the Lord in the early hours of the morning, Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at Southeast Health. He was seventy-eight years old.

 Funeral Services will be 11 AM Friday, July 31, 2020  at  New Freedom Church in Webb, AL., with visitation from 10:30 AM until service time. Burial to follow at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Gordon, AL.

Due to safety precautions necessary during this time, Joe’s family will comply  with health guidelines in accordance with Ward Wilson Funeral Home and New Freedom Church. The family does ask that all wear mask and generously allow space for social distancing during services.

Joe was born August 9, 1941 to Eugene and Bessie Mae Vickers McNeal. Raised in Pansey, Alabama, he graduated from Ashford High School in 1959 and joined the Army National Guard, serving 3 years. Joe was a foreman at Georgia-Pacific Cedar Springs Mill when he retired in 2001 after 35 years. He was a friend to all, a man of dignity, obedience and honor, and loved his family dearly. He enjoyed travelling with family and collecting antique tools and farm equipment. He was a member of New Freedom Church in Webb, Alabama and the Ashford Masonic Lodge.

Surviving relatives include his beloved wife of fifty-six years, Mary Cobia McNeal, his son, Joe Ray McNeal, Jr., daughter, Jill McNeal Johnson, five grandchildren, Danielle Womack, husband Brandon, Dr. Victoria Cowan, husband Andrew, Eddie Dwayne Johnson, II (Gabby), Joe Ray McNeal, III (Trey), his wife Ginny, Carl Lee Cobia McNeal (Coby), his four great-grandchildren Braxton Womack, Jade Womack, Lincoln Cowan, and Liam Cowan, his sister Sara McNeal Baker and nephew Al Trull, and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Eugene and Bessie Mae Vickers McNeal; nine brothers and sisters, and his youngest grandson, Samuel Johnson.

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