Leroy Neal

Leroy Neal, 85, lost his long, courageous battle with cancer on May 16, 2015. Born to Roy and Mamie Neal in Miami, Oklahoma, on March 5, 1930, he spent most of his life in this area where his Cherokee ancestors settled after having been driven from Tennessee on the Trail of Tears. Leroy began his education at the elementary school in North Miami and moved on to Commerce High School, where he graduated in 1948. Later, after military service, he completed his education at Northeastern Oklahoma A & M College. Work played a large role in Leroy’s life. He liked to say that he began working at the age of five when he was paid to ride a horse, keeping the wheels turning at a sorghum mill. At nine, he was employed as a cobbler’s assistant at a local shoe store. While in high school, he worked as a caddy at the Miami Country Club and as a mason’s assistant, helping construct many homes in Miami and the Southwestern Bell Telephone building that still stands. After graduating from high school, Leroy traveled to Peoria, Illinois, to work for Caterpillar Tractor Company, but after a two-year stint, he returned to Oklahoma to help take care of his ill father, and he began working for Burtrum’s Ford Motor Company. It was at this time that he met his future wife, Irma Gene Greninger, at the Woolworth’s candy counter. Eleven months later they were married in Harrison, Arkansas, on August 4, 1952. Their union lasted until his death, nearly sixty-three years. Leroy was drafted into the U.S. Army shortly after he and Irma were married, and they were stationed at Camp Rucker in Alabama. Later, they would be transferred to Ft. Benning, Georgia. While in the Army, Leroy attained the rank of Sergeant and won several awards, including the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. After being honorably discharged, Leroy returned to his job at Burtrum’s before accepting a position with Wonder Bread. He continued in their employment until being hired as a tire builder at B.F. Goodrich, where he would remain for nearly thirty years until the plant closed. Leroy was baptized as a young adult as the First Baptist Church in Commerce, Oklahoma, where he worked with the congregation’s youth. After moving to Fairland, he joined the Hudson Creek Baptist Church, but he became a member of Southern Hills Baptist Church after re-locating to Miami. For many years he loved being a part of their music ministry. In fact, music was one of Leroy’s greatest loves, especially bluegrass and gospel. After retiring, he loved traveling to bluegrass festivals, especially in Kentucky and Tennessee. Leroy could play almost any musical instrument with strings and was blessed with a beautiful singing voice. Joining a number of bands throughout the years, he devoted his time to performing at churches and nursing homes, as well as participating in charitable fund-raisers. Since he loved collecting, buying, and selling instruments, Leroy became the “go to” man for anyone wanting to purchase a Martin or Gibson. Leroy was also a life-time fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. Family vacations almost always included a ballgame in St. Louis. It seems appropriate that the Cardinals were playing on television as he departed this life. Besides his wife Irma, Leroy is survived by his daughters, Jeanne Jackson (Mike) and Linda Reising (Jim). He is also survived by two grand-daughters, Hope Staubitz (Mike) and Amanda Jackson, as well as a great-grandson, Reid Neal Staubitz. Leroy’s survivors also include two brothers, Jim Neal (Cleeta) and Sam Neal, and three sisters, Shirley Donnell, Sandra Randolph, and Judy Bond. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, as well as a large number of friends whose kindness will never be forgotten. Leroy was preceded in death by two brothers, Clyde and Harley Neal, and a sister Wanda “Susie” Hopper. The family would like to thank the staff at Quaker Hill Manor and Leroy’s roommate, Jerry Hart, for making his last days as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Visitation will be from 6:30 PM until 7:30 PM on Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at Brown-Winters Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Miami. Services will be 10:00 AM at Southern Hills Baptist Church in Miami with Reverend Ed McFall and Reverend Dale Neal officiating. Interment will follow at the Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery in Miami under the care of Brown-Winters Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Friends and family may send the family notes of encouragement by viewing Mr. Neal’s Tribute Page at www.brown-winters.com.

Leroy Neal

March 5, 1930 - May 16, 2015