Foster Eugene “Pa” Neal, 92, of Murfreesboro, formerly of McMinnville, died Thursday, Aug. 24 at Stones River Manor in Murfreesboro.
He was born Sept. 10, 1924, in Washington, Ind., was retired from the maintenance department as a painter with AEDC, was a member of the Painter’s Union, Warren Masonic Lodge No. 125, and served as a deacon at Northside Baptist Church. Mr. Neal was with the 563rd Ordinance Company in the U.S. Army during World War II in which his unit crossed the Ludendorff Bridge of the River Rhine in Germany at the Battle of Remagen on the third day. A beloved son, husband, father, brother and grandfather, he was active all of his life, and enjoyed sports, especially watching his grandson play baseball. He also was an avid reader.
He was preceded in death by parents Alvin and Edith Adams Neal, wife Dorothy Pearl Neal, grandson Russ Neal Jr., and brothers William Harvey Neal, Ivan Ross Neal, Ralph Neal, Glen Neal, Kenny Neal, Keith Neal, and Burl Neal.
Survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Russell and Christi Neal of Mt. Juliet, daughter and son-in-law, Debby and Larry Williams of Murfreesboro, grandson, John (Jessie) Williams, great-grandchildren Kellen and Colton Williams of Mt. Juliet, and brother and sister-in-law, Edgar and Nancy Neal of Brentwood. Several nieces, nephews, family members, and friends also survive.
Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28, at McMinnville Funeral Home Chapel with Warren Rather and Keith Sims officiating. Interment will follow at Shady Grove Cemetery with military grave rites. The Neal family will receive friends Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the parlors of McMinnville Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.mcminnvillefuneralhome.com.
McMinnville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.