Paul Granville Neal

Paul was born on March 29, 1931 in Walton, West Virginia, to Oscar Leslie Neal and Flora Vesta Kelly Neal. He loved his childhood home and often spoke of his upbringing in the rural hills of Roane County where he graduated from Walton High School. He often told the story of wanting to be able to attend his Senior year, but did not have the means to purchase clothes and shoes, so he joined the National Guard, who provided those items, allowing him to attend school and complete his education.

Paul also talked of the meeting the love of his life, Reva Marlene Neal, who grew up on Long Ridge, three miles from him. They married on December 29, 1951, as Paul headed off to attend Great Lakes Naval Training Academy, eventually having Marlene join him in Hawaii, where he was assigned to Air Transport Squadron 24.

Other assignments over his 4 years in the Navy included Patrol Squadron 28; Airborne Early Warning Squadron 1 and Fleet Aircraft Service Squadron 8. Paul was awarded the Air Medal and credited for flying 20 missions with a patrol squadron in the Pacific in 1952.

Paul worked as a purchasing agent for Columbia Gas Corporation for more 30 years and is survived by his wife Reva Marlene, daughters, Paula Neal-Loughlin of Port St. Lucie, FL; Susan Neal of Burlington, NC; Cindy Reynolds of Jensen Beach, FL;, Debbie Campbell of Duncan, OK and a multitude of loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren that all adored him!

We are grateful to Paul for his service to our country and providing a great life for his family, filled with love, laughter and stories that will be passed to future generations!