James "Buddy" Lawrence Neal

James “Buddy” Lawrence Neal was born March 5, 1946 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Lois and Clint Neal. He married Linda Jo Hunt on September 28, 1967. They were married 47 years before Linda succumbed to cancer. James entered into rest peacefully June 12, 2025 surrounded by those he loved most in this world, his children and grandchildren.

James served in the Army during the Vietnam conflict as an artillery specialist. He was a factory worker, contractor for Fort Chaffee, and retired from Whirlpool. He spent most of his free time after retirement doing woodcrafts and fretwork on his scroll saw. He was also a proud alumni of Hackett School. He attended Amity Missionary Baptist Church.

James was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, a sister and his beloved, Linda Jo.

James is survived by two sons and daughters in law, James Daniel and Brandy Neal of Hackett, AR and Robert and Irma Klem of Midland, AR; his grandchildren that he loved and doted on, Hunter Neal of Midland, AR, Cobe Neal of the home, Sophia Neal and fiancé, Robert Trent of Fort Smith, AR, Eva Neal of Hackett, AR, Alma and husband, Jeff Gragg of Sugarloaf, AR, Irma Klem of Fort Smith, AR, David Klem of Midland, AR, and Abigail and husband, Corbin Roberts, grandson Angel Roberts of Huntington, AR; one brother, Jack and wife, Barbara of Montreal, AR; two sisters, Betty Harris of Greenwood, AR and Dorothy Clark of Hackett, AR and many beloved nieces, nephews and close friends.

A celebration of life for James will be held on Saturday, June 28th, 2025 at 10:00 am, Amity Missionary Baptist Church, 22610 Hwy 45, Hackett, AR. There will be no graveside service, a private family interment will be held on a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood.