Idas Lee Neal, Sr., 97 of Arley passed away on September 18, 2012 in Jasper surrounded by his family.
He was born on February 1, 1915 in Delta, AL.. Mr. Neal was a member of Arley First Baptist Church for 70 years. He graduated from Meek High School and in 1976 was named Alumnus of the year. In 1997 he was inducted into the Winston County Sports Hall of Fame, and was a member of the Arley Masonic Lodge #867. Mr. Neal is a retired Chairman of the Winston County Commission, and served Winston County as a member of the Board of Education. He was a founding member of the Winston County Chittlin’ Eaters Association.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 20, 2012 from 5-8pm at Arley First Baptist Church, where services will be held on Friday at 11am. He will lie in state from 10-11. Brother Roger Houston and Brother Don Graham will officiate. Burial will be in Arley Baptist Church Cemetery.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Lovenie D. Neal; son, Idas “Spooky” Neal Jr. and his wife Betty; daughters, Bonnie Neal Estes and her husband Buddy, and Tammy Neal East; he was Pa Paw to 4 grandchildren, Greg Neal and his wife Cindy, Tonya Neal Lang and her husband Bob, Amy Neal Ellis and her husband Rod, and Robert Neal East; and 5 great grandchildren, Makenna Lang, Kelton Lang, Ty Neal, Reid Ellis and Annsley Grace Ellis.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Etta Fuller Neal and William G. Neal; brothers, Pascal Neal and Russell Neal; sister, Dessie Davis and twin sister, Ida Umphrey.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Meek High School Shared Athletic Account, 6615 County Road 41, Arley, Al 35541 or to Arley First Baptist Church, PO Box 126, Arley, Al 35541
