Gene E. Neal

Gene E. Neal, 82, of Salem, Arkansas passed from this life on January 22, 2020 in Salem, Arkansas. Gene was born December 25, 1937 in Elizabeth, Arkansas. Gene was the oldest child of Elbert Neal and Bernice (Shoemate) Neal.

Gene was united into marriage to Elizabeth Ramsey on May 23, 1964 in Violet Hill, Arkansas. This union was blessed with three wonderful daughters and five precious grandchildren. Gene’s favorite job was building something, homes, doghouses or fences. He loved to create something and was a perfectionist at anything he did. He loved being outside and taking care of his yard, his farm, drawing, and writing stories. Gene was a member of Viola Solid Rock Assembly of God Church. He enjoyed driving the church bus for many years. He had a love of getting children safely to services that was remarkable. He loved his family and church family as well. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend.  

Gene is survived by his wife Elizabeth Neal of Salem, Arkansas; three daughters, Tammy Busby and husband Larry of Salem, Arkansas, Debby Neal of Vancouver, Canada, and Lisa Polston and husband Jeff of Agnos, Arkansas; five grandchildren, Corey Busby, Eric Busby and wife Jillian, Jackson Parѐ, Max Parѐ, and Ella Polston; two brothers, Lonnie Neal and wife Faye of Byron, Arkansas and Quintin Neal and wife Rena of Byron, Arkansas; sister, Joyce Yarnell of Bexar, Arkansas; two sisters-in-law, Beverly Neal of Salem, Arkansas and Betty Neal of Byron, Arkansas; many other family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers (Jerry Neal and Bernard Neal), and brother-in-law (Edwin Yarnell).

Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Monday, January 27, 2020 at the Viola Solid Rock Assembly of God Church (10750 Hwy. 62 West) in Viola, Arkansas with Bro. Allen Cartwright officiating. Visitation will be 12:00 P.M. until time of service on Monday, January 27, 2020 at the Viola Solid Rock Assembly of God Church in Viola, Arkansas. Interment will be in the Westley Chapel Cemetery in Union, Arkansas. Pallbearers are Eddie Yarnell, Bernard Neal, Burton Yarnell, Dennis Neal, Wayne Neal, and Daniel Neal. Honorary pallbearers are Corey Busby, Eric Busby, Marty McBride, Jeff Polston, Larry Busby, Rick Ramsey, Jackson Parѐ, James Ramsey, Chad Struckle, Devin Ramsey, Tim Schuh, Max Parѐ, Terry Yarnell, Daniel Struckle, Wayne Crosby, and Don Crosby. Memorials may be made a charity of your choice or to American Cancer Society. Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas.