Floyd Lee Neal Jr.

Floyd Lee Neal, Jr. was born on October 18, 1952, in Oakland, Tennessee to the late Floyd Lee Neal Sr. and Elizabeth (Nelson) Neal. At the tender age of one, he moved with his family to Memphis, Tennessee where he was raised, educated, and began forming the values of faith, discipline, and service that would guide his life.

Floyd attended Lester Elementary School and Douglass Elementary School, followed by Lester Junior High School. He continued his education at Douglass High School and Lester High School. After graduating, Floyd answered the call to serve his country and honorably enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving from 1970 to 1974. His military service reflected his strong sense of duty, commitment, and integrity—qualities that remained evident throughout his life. After completing his service, he furthered his education at the Memphis School of Commerce and Shelby State Community College.

In 1986, at the age of 34, Floyd relocated to California where he would continue to grow personally, professionally, and spiritually. His faith journey deepened when he was baptized in 1993 at the age of 41 at the Apostolic Faith Church on Adams Boulevard and Western Avenue in Los Angeles, California under the leadership of Pastor Wayne Johnson.

On December 15, 2007, Floyd married the love of his life, Andrea Newman Cullins. Together, they united with Mt. Zion Church of Ontario in California in 2008, where Pastor Dr. Brian Kennedy, Sr. serves as Shepherd. Floyd’s dedication to God and his church led to his becoming a Deacon-in-Training where he served Mt. Zion faithfully and humbly. He became an ordained Deacon on February 15, 2015.

Floyd retired from Los Angeles County on December 31, 2014, concluding a career marked by diligence and excellence. In March 2015, Floyd and Andrea relocated to Loganville, Georgia to enjoy retirement and begin a new chapter. In August 2015, they joined Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor James C. Ward. Floyd quickly became an active and valued servant, later being appointed Ministry Head of Leisure and Recreation in May of that year.

His commitment to leadership extended beyond the church walls. Floyd served his community as President of the Wildwood at Meadow Gate’s Homeowners Association for two years. He also established the Antioch-Lithonia Toastmasters Club—later renamed Apex Lithonia—where he served in numerous leadership roles, including President in 2019, Vice President, Secretary, Pathways Trainer, and Mentor. Floyd was an active member and officer in three additional Toastmasters clubs through 2025. In recognition of his dedication and excellence, he achieved Toastmasters’ highest honor, Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM), in 2021–2022. In 2024–2025, he was further honored by being elected Club Growth Director for District 14.

Above all else, Floyd was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and family man. He cherished his loved ones deeply and led by example, offering wisdom, encouragement, and unwavering support. Floyd undertook every task with passion and purpose. Such was the case with his love for the written word. He began writing poetry at 8 years old and continued to adulthood, until he became a published wordsmith.

Clearly gifted, Floyd could create an emotionally evoking poem on any topic within minutes. A college professor recently read one of his poems and commented, “It must have taken him weeks to incorporate the historical facts into such a beautiful work of art!” It actually took Floyd a couple of hours to perfect the final version.

Many who knew Floyd experienced his moving poetry as he often generously shared his creations via email. His profound and artistic words are forever etched into our hearts and minds.

He wrote his last poem just weeks before the Lord called him home, dedicating it to his beloved wife, Andrea.

He is survived by his loving wife, Andrea Neal; his children Katrina Vaughn and Justin Neal; his bonus daughters Ivori Lanise Cullins and Jeré Cullins Johnson (Jeremy); his siblings Ruby Jean Wilson and Francis Elizabeth Brown; his grandchildren; and a host of relatives, friends, loved ones and church family.

Floyd was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings James Fuller, Vernell Nelson, Christine Threat, Robert Lee Neal, Bobbie Jean Neal, Billy Joe Neal and his grandson Ethan Taylor Johnson

Floyd Lee Neal Jr. lived a life defined by love—to God, his family, his church and his community. This legacy of love, faith, leadership, compassion and dedication will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know and love him. His memory will forever remain in our hearts