Willard Irvin Neal, Jr.

Reverend Willard Irvin Neal Jr., age 73, of Siler City, NC entered eternal rest on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at his residence.

The Obituary

Rev. Willard I. Neal Jr. “Bill” was called to his heavenly home on August 14, 2024.

He was born in Northampton County to the late Deacon Willard I. Neal Sr. and late Rev. Mary Ramsey Neal on May 18, 1951. 

Rev. Neal was educated in Chatham County schools and went on to further his education at Kittrell College, Fayetteville State University, and A & T University where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degree in education.  Rev. Neal went on to work in the education field teaching at Chatham Central High School, JS Waters Elementary School and Chatham Middle School for over thirty-five years. Rev. Neal was also a retired pastor for the AME Zion NC Central Conference.  He had pastored several churches throughout the years.  After retiring, he returned to his home church, Centennial AME Zion Church, where he attended faithfully until his health declined.   

Rev. Neal was a very kind, loving, humble, and gentle man of God.  He was very giving and was always there for his family and friends.  He was known for sending his daily Morning Reflections.  These were always a right on time message.  At the end of every reflection, you could find one of his favorite bible verses; Proverbs 3:6: In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

If you ever had “Mr. Neal” for a teacher, then you knew his infamous sentence, his famous saying “GET YOUR CARD!!!” and his stern discipline.  That is what made most students the great adults they are today. 

After receiving his education, Rev. Neal met the love of his life, Mrs. Josephine Marsh Neal and married in 1976 and they were blessed with three daughters. 

Rev. Neal is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Michael Neal and Evangelist Ronald Neal; and one sister, Beverly McCaskill. 

He leaves to cherish a lifelong of memories to his loving and devoted wife of almost forty-nine years, Josephine Marsh Neal; three daughters, Miranda (Demetrius), Natiaya, and Delicia all of Siler City, NC; two Grandchildren, Braylon and Alaiah; one beloved Great Grand Dog, Arlo; siblings, Dr. Jackie Moore (Bernice) of Pittsboro, NC, Dennis (Ruth) of Spencer, NC, Rev. Vanessa Denise Neal of Liberty, NC, Shawn (Rhonda) of Pleasant Garden, NC, Tiwana Peoples (Michael) of Pittsboro, NC, and Greg (Christina) of Wingate, NC; aunts, Marie Gresham of Springfield, MA, Hattie Neal of Atlanta, GA, and Gladys Ramsey of Hillside, NJ; two God Children, Courtney McSwain of Sanford, NC and Shonai McSwain of Spring Lake, NC; one honorary daughter, Georgiana Vargas (Eddie) of Siler City, NC; one honorary son, Elder Earnest White of Sanford, NC; honorary grandchildren, Keanu Siler (Josselin) of Siler City, NC, Brandon Vargas of Siler City, NC, Makayla Vargas of Charlotte, NC, Amiyah Vargas of Siler City, NC, Ronald E. Foxx III of Dallas, TX, Mackenzie Fox of Atlanta, GA, and Myriah Fox of Tallahassee, FL; honorary great grandchildren, Mateo Vargas and Niko Vargas; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home-Pittsboro, NC