Mr. Billy Joe Neal, Sr., age 93, of Gadsden passed away Sunday, March 5, 2023. Funeral Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 11, 2023 at Collier-Butler Funeral Chapel with Rev. Richard Martin officiating. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Forrest Cemetery.
Mr. Neal was a native and lifelong resident of Etowah County. He was a longtime member of the Forrest Avenue Cumberland Presbyterian Church until its close, and then attended the Alabama City United Methodist Church. He will be fondly remembered as the postman in the Alabama City area until he retired. Mr. Neal enjoyed delivering MANNA meals to the ill and home bound.
Preceding him in death was his parents, James Beasley Neal and Bessie Wyatt Neal; brothers, Robert Neal, Harry Neal, Sidney Neal and Max Neal and his sister, Frances McDowell.
His loving wife of 72 years survived him only by hours, Mrs. Wanda Rose Neal.
He is survived by his son, Joey (Carnelia) Neal; grandson, Ryan (Beth) Neal; great grandson, Harrison Neal and great granddaughter, Harper Neal; chosen son, Freddy Naranjo and several nieces and nephews.
The family extends special thanks and heart felt gratitude to his caregivers, Sheila Fulmer and Wanda Gulledge, as well as, the Nurses and Staff with Gentiva Hospice.
