Richard G. Neal, was born in Sulligent, Alabama on February 27, 1940 to the late President and Eva Neal. Reverend Neal entered into eternal rest on Sunday, November 13, 2022 in Statesboro, GA. Master Sergeant (MSG) Neal was educated in Sulligent, AL and finished high school in Detroit, MI. Following graduation, he joined the US Army and attended Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. His first duty assignment was at Fort Riley, KS. His other duty assignments include the Republic of Korea, Fort Sill, Germany, Fort Lee, Fort Polk, Fort Story, and Fort Stewart, GA. MSG Neal was later assigned as a US Army Recruiter in St. Petersburg, FL, where he was awarded the Army Gold Recruiter Badge. After becoming one of the top recruiters in the region, MSG Neal was selected to train other US Army Recruiters, and assigned to Western Region Recruiting Command at Fort Baker, CA. Master Sergeant Neal served as a US Army Drill Sergeant at Fort Polk, LA in the mid-70s. He was a proud Veteran of the Vietnam War. MSG Neal earned the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Serve Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (4 Campaigns), NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and Army Achievement Medals. He was authorized to wear the Drill Sergeant Badge, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. Following retirement from the US Army after two decades of active service, Master Sergeant Neal instructed Junior ROTC at Statesboro High School, Southeast Bulloch High School, and at the Academy of Richmond County High School in Augusta GA. He retired from education in 2000. Afterwards, he drove a school bus for the Liberty County School District. Reverend Neal enjoyed teaching God’s Holy word and spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In over three decades in the ministry, he was the pastor of Mt. Zion (Tyson, GA), Elem Baptist Church (Ludowici) and Associate Pastor and Son of the Church for other local churches. Reverend Neal earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Colombia College. He later earned a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Divinity in Christian Education. He was raised as a Master Mason in Hourglass Lodge 118 in Ludowici, GA and was a Shriner (Oasis of Louisiana). Richard was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Juanita Baker of Ludowici, GA in 1968. They met while he was stationed at Fort Stewart and she was teaching school in Ludowici. They were blessed with two children, Regina and Reginald. Rev. Neal leaves to cherish his memory his daughter Dr. Regina Streetman, Ed.D (William) of Augusta, GA; his son Maj. Gen. Reginald Neal (Kim Leigh) of Fort Shafter, HI. His dear brother James Carr Neal (Shirley) of Pensacola, FL. Four grandchildren, Wesley Brewton, Chelsey Brewton, Alexandria Neal, and Richard Brewton. He also was blessed with a great-grandson, Khari Brewton. He also leaves to mourn a devoted life-long friend, Willie James Larry, a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, family members and close friends.
**In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ogeechee Area Hospice Memory Blanket Fund, in honor of Rev. Richard G. Neal, MSG ,US Army, retired.**
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