Ira O. Neal, Jr.
March 7, 1923 ~ February 7, 2017
Ira O. Neal, Jr., 93, of Mooresville, passed away February 7, 2017 at Worthington Place in Camby. He was born March 7, 1923 in Sullivan, Indiana to the late Ira O. Neal, Sr. and Maude (Purcell) Neal. On April 24, 1945 Ira was united in marriage to his loving wife, Nellie (Kirkley) Neal and she preceded him in death on November 19, 2014.
Ira proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. He worked at Bright Sheet Metal for several years and retired as a supervisor from Snodgrass Sheet Metal in 1985.
Along with his parents, he was also preceded in death by his siblings, Welcome Joe Neal, Harold Neal, Garland Neal, Esther Woods, Hazel Fleener, and Mable Bedwell.
Survivors include his three daughters, Jo Ann Owen of Mooresville, Karen Boling of Spring Hill, Florida, and Debbie Cohen of Mooresville; four grandchildren, James Owen, Leea Johnson, Michael Boling, and Cassidy Lawrence; seven great grandchildren; and six great great grandchildren.
Family and friend will gather to celebrate the life of Ira O. Neal, Jr. from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 10, 2017 in the chapel at Carlisle-Branson Funeral Service & Crematory in Mooresville. The funeral service will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Please visit www.CarlisleBranson.com where you may share online condolences and share personal messages with the family.
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Karen So Sorry for the loss of your father. His wishes are fulfilled now that he is with your mom. Love you very much Karen. . Claria
Debbie, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
was lit in memory of Ira O. Neal, Jr.
In memory of Ira Oneal.
Debbie & Cassidy, you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. So very sorry for your loss. So glad he is out of pain and has been reunited with your Mom/Grandma!! Love, hugs and prayers!! The Nagels
Debbie, I am so sorry for you and your daughter’s loss. Knowing he is whole and healthy again and with the Love of his life, will hopefully bring you some comfort during this trying time. I pray for peace and comfort for you and Cassidy. And even though I didn’t get the opportunity to meet your farther, Mr. Ira O. Neal Jr., thank you for your service to our Country, God bless you sir, and may you R.I.P. With Loving Prayers
Carol Gunnell Myrick
Jo – We did not know your father but you spoke so very fondly of him, he must have been a good man with a warm heart and I know he will be missed. We are so very sorry for your family’s loss. Peter and Marlene. (Naples, FL)
Thank you Carol. You’re a great friend.
Thanks Julie.
Thanks Beth.
Thanks Jackie.
Thanks Tammy.
You are your father’s living legacy. Proof of a life well lived and of the love you have for each other. May memories of your dad bring you comfort and peace. Lynda Burke, Donna Moffat (Paula Conners sisters).ߒ٢ݤߒܰߒš
Ira Neal, and his wife Nell, were two of the kindest people I been blessed to know. It makes my heart happy that they are together again, in such a beautiful place! I am honored to have known them both and that they referred to me as their “granddaughter” even in the awkward times. They were both awesome grandparents to my sons! Lifting the entire family up in prayer and asking for peace & comfort.
Patti
My dear Uncle Junior. When he came home from WWII, he swooped me up and marveled at my rosy cheeks. Who would forget that?
Patty Neal Gray
Godspeed and god bless! You’re in our prayers. I’ll miss that bright smile most of all!
From the time I was 3 years old this man was an ‘ideal’ in my eyes — first as a teen who paid attention to a nephew –later a returning marine from war — and later still a man who would challenge a teen in a game of badminton. And everyday in the house I grew up in, I noted the red and white metal awnings that this skilled sheet-metal worker had crafted for my parents. And in my middle age I was still enthralled by his stories at family reunions, of his profound humor and ability to fool one with a most serious story before revealing the surprise punch line, and his inspiring story of his self education in the depression and WW II era. The last survivor of the Neal-Purcell Clan who’s values live on in his extended family — and 3 generations of family to pass on his legacy. We’ll miss you Uncle Dune!
Bill & Mary Neal
Every time Jim and I visited Grandpa Neal it has been warm and kind. Moments with a lot of hugs and smiles. He loved stories about our normal days of life’s adventures like gardening and the dogs. I could not wait till he started smiling and said: Well… golly! He sure liked his jokes and delivered them with a twinkle in his eyes. Grandpa Neal always had a knack to make people feel good and that I will always treasure. Thank you for being in our lives. We love you much. Annelize
Thanks for the wonderful tribute. He will be missed!
Thanks for the memories, Bill!
Thanks Dustin.
Thanks Donna and Lynda. I try every day to make Dad proud of me!
Debbie, I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you.
Thank you Virginia.
Rest In Peace Uncle Dune. Always loved your smile and sense of humor.
Leea, Zach, Debbie and MiMi, I am so sorry for your loss. R.I.P Marine. Rest In Heaven.
Love and Respect,
Karen Moore
One of my favorite memories of Uncle Junior, was when Junior, Nell, and Junior’s sister Mable came to visit us in Elkhart, IN. We decided to go to Kalamazoo, MI to meet my cousin Bill . I told Bill we were going to get together with my son and his wife, so Bill didn’t know that my relatives were going to be with me. When we got to the restaurant, Bill pulled in right behind us. I didn’t want him to see the relatives, but Bill followed me and then pulled along side of us and saw the relatives. He was surprised, but I really wanted to be in the restaurant by the time we arrived. My son and his wife completed the reunion and we all had a great time. I really enjoyed the Memorial video…the smiles on Juniors face will always be the way I remember him. Lots of love to Jo Ann, Karen, and Debbie and their families!
Psalm 90:10 refers to those who reach 80 years of age as being especially strong. This seems to describe Mr. Neal. However, the hope of living forever is held out to us also at Psalm 37:29. May your cherished memories of Mr. Neal comfort you during this difficult time.