Idas L. “Spooky” Neal, Jr.
Born: October 31, 1941
Died: June 10, 2016
Idas L. “Spooky” Neal, Jr., 74 of Arley, entered into rest on Friday, June 10, 2016 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Spooky was born on October 31, 1941 in Jasper. Because it was Halloween, the nurses all called him “Spooky” and it stuck. He was a graduate of the 1959 Class of Meek High School and a member of Arley First Baptist Church for over 60 years. Spooky was an outstanding athlete in multiple sports. He received several scholarship offers from universities such as Alabama, Ole Miss, Tennessee and Auburn in football, and Walker College in basketball. Spooky was offered a professional baseball contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. He was also inducted into the Winston County Sports Hall of Fame in 1997. He loved to play golf with friends, watch Alabama football and Braves baseball. Spooky worked for Gold Kist for 33 years, where he received multiple awards for sales and other achievements during his employment. He also worked for Carolina Eastern for 18 years. He was a wonderful family man who enjoyed spending time with his family, most especially his grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 12, 2016 from 5-8pm at Arley First Baptist Church, where services will be held on Monday at 1pm. He will lie in state from 12-1pm. Burial will be in the adjoining cemetery. Brother Roger Houston, Dr. Mike Goforth and Brother Zac Reno will officiate.
Spooky is survived by his wife of 54 years, Betty Tyree Neal; son, Gregory Wayne (Cindy Easterwood) Neal; daughters, Tonya Neal (Robert K.) Lang, and Amy Neal (Rodney E.) Ellis; sisters, Bonnie Neal (Buddy) Estes, and Tammy Neal East. He was “Papa” to 5 grandchildren, Makenna Lang, Kelton Lang, Ty Neal, Reid Ellis and Annsley Grace Ellis.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Idas L. Neal, Sr. and Lovenie Phillips Neal.
