James Richard “Dick” Neal
Forney Messenger
Wednesday, 1 June 2016
James Richard “Dick “Neal, passed away at his home on May 31, 2016 at the age of 100. Dick was born January 19, 1916 in Kaufman County and lived his whole life in Kaufman County, mostly Forney, except for the 4 years he spent in World War II March 1942 to November 1945. He married Bettye Jo (Stringer) Neal on February 25, 1968 and was blessed with one son Patrick Stringer Neal. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force to serve his country and was transferred to England and became a Tech Sergeant, where he worked on B-24 Bombers. Dick mostly farmed the biggest portion of his life and loved to work with crops and the land. Dick was one of the most generous people you will ever meet. He donated large sums of money to most of the churches in Forney and also to the Kaufman County Veterans Memorial. When his ailing wife Betty passed away, he had to find something to fill his time so he worked at the Forney Hillcrest Cemetery off and on for about two years, digging under, jacking up and straightening headstones. He had no idea who these headstones belonged to and it didn’t matter. Dick will be welcomed into heaven by his wife Bettye (Died July 5, 2002) and son Patrick (Died September 6, 1996), his Father, Jo Wiley Neal, his Mother, Callie Perry (Philpott) Neal, 2 brothers, Joe Perry Neal, Roy Layden Neal, and one sister Claudine Neal Griffin, who preceded him in death. Dick was survived by 7 nieces and nephews. James Griffin III and wife Barbara of Mesquite, Sue Hooks and husband Ralph of Kaufman, David Neal and wife Elizabeth of Kaufman, Roger Neal and wife Debbie of Lenexa, Kansas, Perri Lynn Neal, Cindy Baird and Nancy Pyle. Also survived by many great nieces, great nephews and many friends. Special friend and caregiver, Reta Banister. Viewing will be on Friday, June 3, 2016 at 1pm to 2 pm. Funeral service will be at 2 pm. Both will be held at the Max Slayton Funeral Home at 642 N. Rockwall Ave in Terrell, Texas.
James Richard “Dick” Neal
James Neal is a wonderful man for sure. He lives a very simple life, but with great demure. He does much more for others than he does for himself. He believes you should think of others before you think of yourself. We should all follow in his footsteps and a better world we would make. But for most that will not happen for the sacrifices are too great. Dick has been my wonderful friend & neighbor for many, many years we’ve worked and laughed together, and even shed some tears Dick has helped many of the churches in Forney, with barely a thanks in return. He also worked many hours in our Forney Cemetery, many headstones upright he did turn. He served our Country in World War II, and had to leave his family. For this we should be forever grateful, that our country is still free. I know someday Jesus will call Dick to heaven, to join his son and wife And it will make it all worth the many years of hard work and strife. I hope to see Dick in heaven, eventually so our friendship will last through eternity. Your friend and caregiver, Reta Banister. 2010
