Charles R. Neal, age 88, of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, was born on December 17, 1937, in Lebanon, Tennessee, and passed away on May 10, 2026, at his residence.
Charles was a Christian and a devoted member of Immanuel Baptist Church, where his faith was an important part of his daily life.
A lifelong professional in the funeral service industry, Charles was a 1956 graduate of Lawrence County High School and a 1958 graduate of John A. Gupton College of Mortuary Science. He served his country in the Tennessee Army National Guard and later devoted his career to helping families during some of their most difficult moments. He was the retired owner of Neal Funeral Home, Inc. and Lawrence County Memorial Gardens. Charles served as a licensed funeral director and embalmer for 68 years. His long and faithful service to the profession earned him the respect of colleagues and the gratitude of countless families. He was a member of the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association (TFDA), the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), Selected Independent Funeral Homes (SIFH), and The Independent Funeral Group (TIFG).
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver Marvin and Cornelia Louise “Connie” Stone Neal, one brother, Don Neal; and one great-granddaughter, Cameron Jo Neal.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Vickie Neal of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee; one daughter, Debbie McAfee and her husband Darren of Leoma, Tennessee; one son, David Neal and his wife Amy of Leoma, Tennessee; four grandchildren, Monica Burnett and her husband John of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, Matt McAfee and his wife Maycie of Hazel Green, Alabama, Hannah Neal of Leoma, Tennessee, and Braden Neal of Leoma, Tennessee; and two great-grandchildren, Braxton Burnett and Andi Burnett of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee.
The family wishes to express special thanks to the caregivers with GoodWorks at Home and to Caris Healthcare for their compassionate care and support.
Arrangements are being handled by Neal Funeral Home, 231 N. Military Avenue, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Neal Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at Neal Funeral Home at 2:00 PM Thursday, May 14, 2026, with Reggie Coleman officiating. Interment will follow at Lawrence County Memorial Gardens in Lawrenceburg, TN.
