Charles C. Neal

Charles Clifford "Buck" Neal, 77, a former resident of Norfolk, passed away on April 10, 2012 at his home in Lake Gaston, N.C., after bravely fighting many illnesses. He retired from the U.S. Navy after serving 27 years as a Chief Mess Specialist followed by serving 20 years as a Police Sergeant for the Norfolk Naval Station. He also spent five years with the postal service. He was a member of several clubs such as: Knights of Pythians, American Legion, Eagles, Fraternal Order of Police, AmVets, Old Bastards Organization.He was born on June 30, 1934 in Rainelle, WV, to the late Russell E. and Helen R. Bryant Neal. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Harold "Fuzz" Neal, Russell "Jim" Neal, and Howard "Smokey" Neal and his wife Reva; and five sisters, Virginia Kathleen, Betty Jane, Holla Marie, Helen Ruth Shumaker, and Bonnie Gilkeson and a brother in law Everett Sevy. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sandra Louise Neal, four daughters Kathy Fast of Roanoke Rapids, NC; Diane Case of Lake Gaston, NC; Penny Briggs of Stanardsville, VA; and Rachell Grassman of Franklin, VA; seven grandchildren, eleven great- grandchildren, a sister, Marjorie Sevy of Clintonville, WV, one brother Richard "Doc" Neal and wife Betty of Rainelle, WV; two brothers-in-law Keith Shumaker and Lacy Gilkeson; two sisters-in-law Nancy Neal and Loretta Neal and many nieces and nephews who knew him as Uncle Charlie, as well as his loving companion, Paco. The family will receive friends on Friday, April 13, from 5 to 8 p.m. A celebration of Mr. Neal’s life will be held on Saturday, April 14, 3 p.m. at Smith & Williams Funeral Home, Norview Chapel. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery .The family would like to acknowledge Debra Simmons and Community Hospice for their loving care and support. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Friends may offer condolences at www.smithandwilliamsnorfolk.com