Carl Edward Neal

Carl Edward Neal was born on March 11, 1921 in Dunbar, Virginia and passed away at home in Kingsport, Tennessee on February 22, 2012. He was raised by his maternal grandparents and grew up in Roda, Virginia.

Mr. Neal served in the 100th Infantry Division during WWII in the European Theater and fought at the Battle of the Bulge where he earned the nickname "Rebel" from his foxhole buddies. He earned a Bronze Star for Valor, a Purple Heart for combat wounds, and a Combat Infantry man Badge. After an honorable discharge from the US Army, he earned a Bachelor's degree and spent his professional career as an Industrial Engineer. He managed many textile facilities in the southeast, Central America, Puerto Rico, where he lived for over 14 years, and in his words, "God's Country" the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. He retired to Kingsport in 2000.

As a lifelong member of the Freemason's and ultimately a Shriner, Mr. Neal was a devoted and generous family man who helped many people throughout his life.

Mr. Neal was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Mary Virginia McGrady Neal; beloved son, Edward Eugene Neal; maternal grandparents, Thomas Jabez Strong and Ollie Meade Strong; parents, Luther Blackburn Neal and Louana Strong Neal Nunley and stepfather, James Wiley Nunley; two sisters, Vivian Neal Perdue and Nell Mae Neal Stone; and brother, Clarence Eugene Neal.

He is survived by his beloved daughter, Patricia Anne Neal Higginbotham of the home, Kingsport, TN and fiancé, Gary Holler of Toms Brook, Virginia; three grandchildren, Michelle Higginbotham Wilson and husband, Keith, Geoffrey Brooks Higginbotham, Jr. and wife, Nery, Paul Edward Higginbotham and wife, Angela; eight great-grandchildren, Charles and Jack Wilson, twins, Foster and Alexandra, and Madison Higginbotham, Isabella and twins, Henry and Sam Higginbotham; brother-in-law, Bill McGrady and wife Gay; sisters-in-law, Marie McGrady and Joanne McGrady; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 3rd from 4-6:00 pm at Hamlett-Dobson, Kingsport.

Military graveside services will be conducted by American Legion Posts 3/265 and Pastor Wayne Baker on Sunday, March 4th at 2:00 pm at East Lawn Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Geoffrey Higginbotham, Jr., Paul Higginbotham, Charles Wilson, John Fuller, Larry Absher and Ben Absher. Honorary pallbearers will be David Harless, Will Epps, Roger "Rohillio" Fender, Bill McGrady, Jack Wilson, Chris Chafin, Foster Higginbotham and Noah Absher.

Those desiring may make contributions to the American Diabetes Association, 1701 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22311, 1-800-342-2382.