James Paul Neal, Sr., of Atlanta, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 31, 2011, from Alzheimer’s at the age of 87. He was born in Bee Rock, KY on June 28, 1923, to the late Fred Kelley and Tempa Elizabeth Neal. He is preceded in death by his wife, Zella Haynes Neal, grandson John W. Pitts and granddaughter Julie Pitts-Parrish. He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in WWII and receiving the following medals: Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Army of Occupation, National Defense Medal, American Defense Medal, American Theater Ribbon, American Campaign and Good Conduct Medal. After retiring from the Army with 20 years of service, he embarked on another 20 year career with the Atlanta Federal Prison system. His greatest enjoyment in life was spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, attending the monthly Atlanta Federal Prison Retirees Dinners, eating at Waffle House and 735th Tank Battalion Reunion. He is survived by sisters Dorothy Dunn and Marie Renfro, daughters Barbara L. Michelson, Patricia A. Law (Gerry), Rita Y. Peele (John), Rhonda D. Juhan (Wayne), Jacalyn J. Wallace (Bobby), Jamie N. Booth (Terry) and step daughter Karen P. Chick (Gene), sons James P. Neal, Jr. (Lynn), Joseph F. Neal (Fran) and John T. Neal (Bryn), grandchildren John L. Michelson III, Benjamin S. Law (Lauren), Lindsey A. Law, Gregory N. Law, Michael L. Caldwell (Karmen), Terri L. Odum (Tim), Robert L. Wallace, Jr. (Samantha), Christie N. Neeley, Lori O. Neeley, James P. Neal III (Kari), Christopher A Neal (Katie), Zachary A. Neal, Nicholas C. Neal, Corey A. Neal, Kylie M. Neal, Madeline L. Neal, Douglas E. Chick, Carrie A. Chick Barr and William Chick and great grandchildren Brady M. Law, Joseph D. Wallace< Hannah E. and Hayleigh M. Millsap, James W. Pitts, Kristina R. and Hannah M. Caldwell, Hannah M. and Alyssa G. Odum, Aidan L. Wallace, Kaitlyn Chick, Tyler Chick and Curtis Barr. The family will receive friends from 11am to 1pm and from 6-8 m on Friday , June 3, 2011, at Eternal Hills Funeral Home, 3594 Stone Mountain Hwy, Snellville, GA 30039. Funeral services will be at 3:00 pm on Saturday, June 4, 2011, in the Eternal Hills Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Danny Odum officiating. Interment will follow at Eternal Hills Memory Gardens. Please join us in celebrating James’ life by visiting www.eternalhillsfuneralhome.com. Eternal Hills Funeral Home, 770.972.3155.
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