Neal went to meet the Lord unexpectedly on Friday, March 3rd 2023. Neal was preceded in death by his parents, Neal W. And Shirley K. Ray, and 2 sisters, Sharon and Marcia.

Neal enlisted in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. He was a Vietnam Vet who suffered from Parkinson’s Disease later in life due to his time there. Neal then went to college on the G.I Bill and earned a degree in Business. He started his career managing commercial laundries at Springfield Laundry. Eventually his career took he and Jerri to Northwest Arkansas where Neal retired from Superior Linen.

He married Jerri K. Ray on September 26, 1982. Together they raised 3 wonderful children: Diona Moss (Josh), Kyle Martin (Aubrie), and Tisha Joplin (Jake). They also have been blessed with eight grandchildren.

Neal was a wonderful husband, dad, and Paw-Paw to his family. It was always important for Neal that his family believed in God, prayer, and forgiveness. He was a loving husband to his ‘Lil’ Darlin” and adored his kids and grandkids. He will be greatly missed, but know we will meet again.

Visitation will be held Friday March 17th, 2023 from 5-6 PM with a memorial service to follow from 6-7 PM at Greenlawn Funeral Home East, located at 3540 East Seminole Street, Springfield, MO 65809.

Monday March 20th, 2023, the Warrior’s Watch Veterans final salute will take place 2PM at Greenlawn Funeral Home East with military honors to follow 3PM at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, located at 5201 South Southwood Road, Springfield, MO 65804.