Grady Herman Neal

Grady Herman Neal was born on October 27, 1929 in Headland, Alabama to the late James Herman Neal and Annie Lee Thomas. He grew up in Headland, then moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he entered the US Army. While stationed in Texas, he crossed paths with and married the late Ethel Mae Neal. The Lord blessed them with 50 years of holy matrimony before he called Ethel Mae home. As Grady continued down the path of life, he was reunited with and rejoined in holy matrimony with his first wife, Ludie B. (Carter) McCombs.

During his 20 year Army career, Sergeant Neal served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was awarded two Bronze Service Stars, the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, as well as other medals and bars. After leaving the military, he continued his work of service at the State of Texas Department of Corrections, Travis County Sheriff’s Department and as a cook at various locations until retiring. In his spare time, he enjoyed going to church and became a deacon within the church. Deacon Neal also enjoyed giving to others, cooking, traveling, going to concerts, listening to music, watching westerns and visiting with family and friends.

Grady is preceded in death by his parents, James Herman Neal and Annie Lee Thomas; wife, Ethel Mae Neal; and step-son, William Killingsworth.

He leaves behind a legacy of love to his loving wife, Ludie B. Neal; daughters, Emma and Linda; step-children, Betty, Shirley, James and Cynthia; granddaughters, Michelle, Janis and Aisha; many step-grandchildren; and a host of other family and friends.