Sid Neal

96, of Tampa, FL, passed away on Monday, October, 13, 2014. Sidney was born in Yazoo City, MS, and raised in Memphis, TN, graduating from Tech High on 5/31/1934. Col. Neal, a WWII veteran, joined the Air Force in November 1942. He flew 33 combat missions having a total of 231 combat hours and over 4,000 flying hours during his career. In addition to flying the B17 during WWII, he flew numerous other bomber and and cargo aircraft. Col. Neal was the Deputy Commander, 401st Combat Support Group, Torrejon AB, Spain; Director of Assignments, USAFE, Lindsey AS, Germany. Col. Neal ended his career as Director of Personnel, HQCOMD, MacDill AFB, FL. Col. Neal retired from MacDill AFB and continued to reside in Tampa until his death. He is preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Joyce Neal. He is survived by his son Sidney Neal (Charlene); daughter, Vicki Purcell (Roger); four grandchildren Julie Stallings (Mike), Jason Purcell (Gina), Keri New (Terry), and Libby Purcell; and seven great grandchildren Evan and Dylan Zaner, and Kaitlyn, Ethan, Evan, Nathan and Justin Purcell. Sidney was a member of the Gyro Club and enjoyed golfing until he was 92. A memorial service will be held at Blount & Curry Memorial Chapel at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to a charity of their choice in Sidney’s name.

Arrangements under the direction of Blount & Curry FH-Macdill Chap, TAMPA, FL.