John Neal

John Bates Neal, 82, passed away on February 21, 2011, at Golden Living Center in Southaven, MS. Born on July 10, 1928 in Ellijay, GA, to Oscar and Nora Whitener Bates, he was a longtime resident of Independence, MS and member of Antioch Church of Christ. John was preceded in death by his spouse, Rebecca Bernard Neal; his parents, Oscar and Nora Bates; and a sister, Lola B. Roberts. He was an ironworker and welder for many years. He is survived by 3 nieces, Sybil Purisifull of Alabama, Jeanette Roberts of Chattanooga, TN, and Mary Bernard Ellenburg of Independence, MS; 3 nephews, Lonnie Roberts of Alabama, Eugene Roberts of Chattanooga, and Terry Bernard of Independence; and his sister-in-law and caregiver, Shirley Bernard Sollinger and her husband Edward of Nesbit, MS. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 23, and the family will receive friends beginning at 1:30 p.m., all at Brantley Funeral Home in Olive Branch. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Antioch Church of Christ.

Brantley Funeral Home

Olive Branch 662-895-2310

www.BrantleyFuneral.com