Neal was born in Danville, Va. on April 22, 1948. He is survived by his loving wife, Elaine K. Gregory; his mother, Hazel R. Gregory; sister, Betty G. Major and brother, Tommy L. Gregory.
He is also survived by his daughter, Valorie G. Barkley (Gregg) and step daughter Amy Register; and seven beloved grandchildren: Christopher McPhetridge, Christin McPhetridge, Brendan Register, Aidan Register, Brianna Deoudes, Emma Barkley and Angus Hobson.
He was preceded in death by his father, Buford S. Gregory, and stepson, Troy S. Hobson.
Neal served in the Navy on a tanker that fueled ships on the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. He visited many places listed in the Bible. He was a retired IBEW Journeyman Wireman for Local 26, Washington D.C.
Neal was an avid gardener, growing many fruits and vegetables. His specialty was jalapeno peppers: the hotter the better. He grew and ate them year round.
He was a man of many talents. He could build anything and/or fix it if it was broken.
His love of family was expressed every day through prayer, thought and action. That love was returned to him one thousand fold.
His only vice was baseball, namely the L.A. Dodgers. He loved the Dodgers from the Brooklyn days, listening to the games on the radio under the covers at night. He played ball from early Little League throughout adulthood. He then taught his grandsons how to play the game.
Neal attended Ridgeway United Methodist Church, where he sang his songs of faith using his beautiful voice. He sang every day, especially while working outside. He is now using that voice to sing praises to his Heavenly Father. He is now home.
Memorial may be made to the Ridgeway United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 78, Ridgeway VA 24148 or to the Martinsville Henry County Veterans Honor Guard, P.O. Box 1002, Collinsville VA 24078. Flowers are welcome also.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 3, 2021 at Mountain View Cemetery with Pastors Michael Lewis and Michael Hearp officiating. The family will receive friends at Ridgeway United Methodist Church following the graveside service.
