Thomas Willis "Bill" Neal, age 95, passed away Dec. 10, 2017, in Franklin, North Carolina.
Mr. Neal was born in Hiawassee, Georgia, to the late Thomas Norris and Callie Kimsey Neal. He served in the U. S. Army Air Forces during WWII. Formerly of Canton, he and his wife moved to Franklin following his retirement from Champion International Corp. Bill was a beloved and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was an avid fisherman, gardener and craftsman. He loved to travel with his wife in their RV and he never met a stranger.
Mr. Neal was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Ruby McLemore Neal; brothers: Clay, Blain, Fain (Shorty), Maurice and Charles; and sisters: Blon Grogan and Ruth O'Dear. He is survived by his four children: Gary Neal of Waynesville, NC (Takiko, deceased), Marcia Davis of Asheville, NC, Krista Haynes of Athens, GA, and Keith Neal of Franklin, NC (Janet, deceased); his sisters: Nell Thompson and Alice Donaldson; 3 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at Wells Funeral Home in Canton at a later date.
Macon Funeral Home is serving the Neal family.
Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.