Charles Emerson Neal

Charles Emerson Neal, 89, passed away at home on Friday, January 21, 2011 surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on January 14, 1922 in Bristol, TN where he lived until age 22. He graduated from Tennessee High School where he participated in five sports. Charlie was awarded a football scholarship at the University of Georgia. However, he had to return to Bristol to work and care for his ailing father. Although he never fulfilled his dream of becoming a coach, he owned and operated a very successful shoe repair business in downtown Kingsport for 66 years. He met his wife, Virginia Ruth Fellers, in Bristol. They married in 1944 and moved to Kingsport where he opened Neal's Shoe Shop shortly thereafter. Charlie developed many lasting friendships and loyal customers throughout the years. He was a charter member of the Crusade Class at First Broad Street United Methodist Church. He was involved in many church activities and very rarely did he miss Sunday morning services. He displayed his love for music and God by singing at events such as funerals and weddings. Charlie was a Mason and member of the Eastern Star. When his children were in school, he was president of the PTA at Dobyns-Bennett high school and led fundraisers for several of the schools. He never tired of helping his family, friends and neighbors.

Upon his retirement, Charlie received the key to the city by Mayor Phillips and June 16 is designated as "Charlie Neal Day". He was also awarded the America's Master Tradesman Award on behalf of Red Wing Shoe Company in November 2005. A $500 scholarship in honor of Charlie was awarded to a deserving young man that was going into a trade for himself.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Henry Neal and Ella Hughes Neal and eight brothers and sisters.

Charlie is survived by his loving wife, Ruth Fellers Neal of Kingsport; three daughters, Phyllis Willis and husband Jack of Kingsport, Connie Griffith and husband John of Knoxville, and Donna Moore and husband Grady of Kingsport; eight grandchildren, Ginny Crawford, Jackie Seto, Candy Macfarlane, Amanda Lokar, Stephanie Slagle, Grady, Ashley, and Charlie Moore; ten great-grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will receive friends from 3-5 pm on Sunday, January 23, 2011 at First Broad Street United Methodist Church on the church circle in downtown Kingsport. The service will begin at 5 pm with Rev. Jack P. Weikel and Rev. J. Spurgeon McCartt officiating. Friends may call at the home of his daughter, Phyllis Willis, 255 DeLee Drive.

An entombment service will be held at 11 am on Monday, January 24, 2011 at Oak Hill Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, Jerry Crawford, Jeff Seto, Dr. Rob Macfarlane, Dr. Bill Lokar, Stephen Slagle, Grady Moore, and Charlie Moore. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the Crusade Class.

The family would like to give a special thank you to all the nurses and staff at Wellington Place where he lived and Ruth currently resides. Their extra special care and love will always be so appreciated by the family. We also want to thank Amedisys Hospice for their loving care and guidance during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Broad Street United Methodist Church, PO Box 1346, Kingsport, Tennessee 37662 and to Amedisys Hospice Services, 200 Professional Park Drive, Kingsport, TN 37663.