Dennis Ray Neal

Dennis was born July 8, 1957 in Ukiah, CA. to Chester and Shirley (Burns) Neal. On September 10, 1977, he married the love of his life Laurie (nee Wilken). They have two sons, Kyle and Christopher. He and Laurie bought their first house in Sacramento in1984. The boys were born shortly after and the family eventually settled in Roseville in 1996 where they have resided since.

He graduated from Andrew Hill High School in 1975 moving to Fairfield with his best friend Michael Yaley that summer. While in high school, Dennis had a passion for music, playing lead guitar for a Christian band named Moses. During family gatherings, he would love to play his acoustic guitar for everyone.

In Spring of 1982 he developed cancer. He beat the cancer undergoing treatments that would eventually, in his later years, cause his kidneys to fail. He was on dialysis from 2000 to 2003. On March 5, 2003 he received a gift of life, a living donor kidney transplant from his sister in law Susan Wilken. We were blessed that she was a match and this extended his life for 19 wonderful years. Her compassion and selflessness gave Dennis his life back so he could enjoy his remaining years with his family and friends.

He always said Susan was his angel. He adored his family and lived his life to the fullest despite his failing health these past few years. And his faith in his Lord made him a stronger person towards the end of his life.

He and his family shared a passion for classic cars, joining many car clubs over the years. He had customized his Chevy C-10 pickup truck as a tribute to his dad who also had a passion for classic cars and owned a C-10 as well.

Dennis was preceded in death by his father, Chester, his mother, Shirley and step-mother Barbara. He is survived by his wife Laurie, and his two sons, Kyle and Christopher, his brother Donnie and half-brothers Darren and Rocky Neal. He also leaves behind many cousins, nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind many extended family members.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at 11am at Lambert Funeral Home 400

Douglas Blvd., Roseville, CA. with burial at East Lawn Memorial Cemetery. Celebration of life will follow services at the Neal home.