Troy Adams Neal

Troy Adams Neal was born July 8, 1927 on a tobacco farm in Stokes County. He was the second of five sons born to Claude L. Neal and Zelda Sustare Neal. Troy spent most of his teenage life in Stokes County where he attended high school and was graduated from Walnut Cove High School in 1945. He joined the US Army just after high school and served in the US Army of Occupation in Japan. Following his military service he attended Appalachian State University. Troy was a talented musician and an accomplished guitarist. While attending Appalachian he performed professionally on radio to help pay his way through school. After graduating from college he owned and operated the Matthews Country Club during the summer months and was a physical education teacher in the Mecklenburg County School system during the remainder of each year. His brother Frank called him “Teach.” He retired from the school system in 1988, but continued to operate the Matthews Country Club until 1998 when he became fully retired to pursue his hobbies and love of flying. He was also a devoted Lay Christian leader. While his interest in the guitar, and fiddle diminished, his interest in performing as part of the Highland Games each year grew stronger. He remained a life long member and supporter of the YOSEF Club of Appalachian State University. In 1965 Troy was married to the love of his life Syble Sinclair of Lancaster, SC. Syble predeceased Troy in 1991, but his devotion to her never once faltered. To this day his wedding band has not been removed from his hand, and he will be buried with it still there. Troy will be remembered for that type of devotion to his family and friends. Frank was correct, Troy did teach us to serve, to live, to love and to pray. On January 16th Troy suffered a debilitating stroke, but he stayed with us for a week to give his many friends an opportunity to say good-by. On January 23, 2011 Troy went to join Syble, his brothers Claude A Neal, Frank G. Neal, and Edwin S. Neal all of whom predeceased him. His brother Col. Beverly L. Neal of Tampa, Florida survives him.

A visitation will be held 6:00pm – 8:00pm Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at McEwen Funeral Service, Charlotte Chapel. The funeral service will be held Thursday, 2:00pm January 27, 2011 in the McEwen Chapel. Burial will follow in Sharon Memorial Park.

Arrangements for the Neal family has been entrusted to McEwen Funeral Service at Sharon Memorial Park, 5715 Monroe Rd. Charlotte, NC 28212 ( 704) -334-6421