Ben Carmichael Neal Sr.

Ben C. Neal, Sr. was born March 14, 1932 and died peacefully on November 9, 2022 with family by his side. He is survived by Lela Waterer Neal, his wife of 67 years. He is also survived by his 4 children: Mike (Ann) Neal, Jim (Connie) Neal, Bud (Debbie) Neal, and Debra (Paul) Herman, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers: William D Neal, Jr. and John R Neal.

His family called him Pops. Pops made sure that his children and grandchildren knew sports, good music, God, the importance of knowing where and who you came from, and that your word matters. He was full of stories about growing up in Carrollton, MS and he made sure that everyone received a copy of the Neal Family History.

He loved his country. He proudly served in the United States Air Force.

We always knew where to find him on Sunday afternoons in the fall - watching Mississippi State football. He was a very proud graduate of the Mississippi State College class of 1955. He cheered for the Bulldogs and maroon was his favorite color. It was also at Miss State that he met Lela Waterer who attended Mississippi State College for Women.

He loved young people and his work in the Collierville community impacted many young lives. He coached basketball and softball, was a founding member of the Collierville Youth Athletic Association and the Collierville Sports Officials Association. He served on the COSA board and the Collierville Parks Advisory Board.

Most people that he encountered called him Uncle Ben. Uncle Ben was devoted to the Collierville Methodist Church, serving the church in many capacities, but most importantly as a Sunday school and Bible school teacher.

One of Uncle Ben’s greatest loves was Lakeshore Camp and Retreat Center in Eva, TN. In the many years that he served as program director and counselor, he impacted the lives of so many young people. He presented a warm fuzzy to every child that he came to know with a ribbon that said, “God loves you and so does Uncle Ben.”

Ben Neal lived a long, full and interesting life. He worked as a regional sales manager for Magnavox and built houses with his son, Jim. He was a Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America. He was a magician that entertained audiences all over the Mid-South. He lived a life of service to others.

A family graveside service will take place in Carrollton and a memorial service will be planned in the weeks ahead.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Lakeshore Camp and Retreat Center or the Collierville United Methodist Church.