William Thomas Neal

Born in Jefferson County, Alabama, Tom was the son of the late Thomas Durham and Margaret Hardy Neal. Residing in Asheville, NC for most of his childhood and adult life, it is there he married the love of his life Judith Neal and created a life with her for 59 wonderful years up until his passing.

Attending NC State and Mars Hill college he earned the degree of Civil Engineer by trade helping build the State Legislative Building in Raleigh. Soon after was married to Judy and they decided that they wanted to build a life together in Asheville. It was there that Tom found his true calling in the specialty men’s clothing business. He worked for numerous men’s specialty shops over the years before deciding to open his own shop in the Biltmore Village proudly named after himself T. Neal & Co.

He spent countless man hours renovating an old bowling alley taking it down to the studs to create the atmosphere and aesthetics that he envisioned for his customers experience. Working 7 days a week from morning till evening hours to become a success, often making deliveries or house calls on his way home just to make sure his customers were taken care of. He knew his customers all by name, as well as their kids and he never met a stranger. As the store become successful, in his spare time he still enjoyed renovating and flipping old houses and apartment buildings all the while swinging a hammer or rolling a paint brush in his old khaki pants.

After 20yrs and fulfilling his dream, it was time to hang up the suits, ties, dress slacks, and khaki pants and “retire to farm life”. He and Judy packed up and traded the mountains for the serene simple farm life in Liberty, NC.

On any given day they could be found working on the farm that they “retired to” doing yard work, gardening, tending to beehives or just sitting on the porch enjoying a cold beer or a nice glass of wine just talking, laughing, and watching the hummingbirds feed, cows moving along in the fields, or rabbits chasing each other in the yard.

Affectionately known as “Pops” by his family and friends. Most Thursday and Friday nights he could be found on the side lines of Southern Alamance telling his son-in-law Fritz, the Head Football Coach what he was or wasn’t doing right. Fritz and the players constantly replying get back Pops you’re over the line literally and figuratively!

Pops leaves behind his surviving wife and the love of his life Judy Neal.

Daughter Wendy Neal Hessenthaler and her husband, Fritz; and three beautiful granddaughters and their families. Anna Quaranto and her husband, Logan, Gabriella Hessenthaler, and Greta Hessenthaler.

Son William Thomas Neal, Jr. and three grandsons Will Neal, Parker Neal, and Yates Neal.

Pops you were a true Legend who will be loved by many and missed by all! We Love you!

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:

American Heart Association

Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at www.LoflinFH.com.