Eddie Neal's Obituary
Eddie Neal was born to Grady and Edna Neal on December 8,1931 in Eudora, Arkansas.
Eddie moved to Flagstaff, Arizona as a late teen to make a way to bring the rest of his family with him. He worked construction and later became employed at the Army Depot just outside of Flagstaff for several years before becoming employed with the Grand Canyon National Parks Service, both as a heavy equipment operator.
Anyone that met Eddie knows that he loved his family, his animals (especially his horses), quartet gospel style singing, the Cowboys and the Dodgers. He enjoyed refurbishing old vehicles. He hand painted his 1953 8-N Ford tractor. Eddie and his friend Charlie built a trailer/cart from the ground up. He was also well known as one of the best horse trainers in the area. He always had a side hustle of some sort which included selling the Kings of Joy music CD’s, eggs and watermelons to name a few. He spent endless hours watching THE FARM ON ROUTE 66 YOUTUBE.
While living in Arizona he was a member of the Elks Lodge, a little league coach, started a cub scout group, an avid hunter, the go to neighbor if you needed snow shoveled, loved watching westerns and a well respected baseball player.
Singing was one of his greatest passions that started at a very young age. He sang with many family members and many others in the communities that he lived. After retiring from the Grand Canyon Parks service, Eddie and his wife Arlene moved and made Tulsa their home. Tulsa is where he became associated with numerous singing groups and became a member of The Kings of Joy.
Eddie was preceded in death by his parents Grady and Edna, stepmother Hazel, sisters Sadie, Joyce, Lillian, and Edna Mae; his brothers Elvin and WG (Doll), his brother-in-law Simmie Beckhum, son in law Leo Davis, his wife Arlene, his former wife Carrie with whom he had seven children. He leaves to morn his passing and cherish his memory one sister OraLee Beckhum, a sister in-law Lucy Neal and a brother in-law Arnett Conley. Two sons Al and ’Danny’’ Eddie (Janie) Neal Jr. Five daughters Diane (Mitch) Mitcham, Brenda, Marsha, Kim and Tasha. His adopted son Ricky (Naomi) De La Torre and his family. 11 grandchildren, and a host of great and great great grandchildren. His cousin Pat who he shared a close friendship and love of horse. His best friend and brother that was handpicked by God, Charlie. A host of nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends that he made everywhere he went.
He was 90…. he made many friends along this journey. As his friend Charlie said ‘They broke the mold after he was made.’
The visitation will be 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Thursday, November 3, 2022, at Floral Haven Funeral Home. The funeral service will be 3:00 PM, Friday, November 4, 2022, at Floral Haven Funeral Home Chapel.
To view Eddie's funeral service click the link, https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/80466
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