Roy Lee Neal

Roy was born November 28th, 1939 in Hughes, Arkansas as the 3rd child of Roy & Lois Neal. He graduated from Ridgeway High School in Pennsylvania in 1957 with a graduating class of 16.

Roy went on to the US Army where he proudly served with the 101st Airborne Division (Screaming Eagles) and as a graduate of the coveted Ranger Tabs and beret. Roy was eventually stationed in Iceland as part of a prepositioning force and served his final months of duty in Massachusetts.

Upon being discharged from the Army, Roy went to work for Modern Finance Company where he learned the trade of financial institutions that would serve him well in his future. He would work in this field until he transitioned into the insurance industry. Roy left the finance world and started working as an Insurance Agent for Underwriters Agency selling insurance to Churches for Church Mutual. After learning the industry, Roy left Underwriters Agency to found the company that became part of his identity to the local community, The Insurance House-Zink Agency. Purchasing the existing Zink Agency with borrowed funds would be a gamble for most but this turned out to be the best business decision of his life. Working with his local jurisdiction of Redford Township, Roy helped create the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority which is an alternative to traditional insurance for Government Entity’s. It is now one of the largest managed funds of Government assets in the country. During this time, he also started Group Health Managers .The Insurance House-Zink Agency has been located in the same building since 1939 and set the standard for the Township beautification award as a testament to Roy’s commitment to Redford Township.

Roy was heavily involved in his local church community as he was a member of Redford’s Covenant Community Church for years where he served on the Deacon Board and as Director of Christian Service Brigade Ministries. Roy’s leadership and direction were noticed as he served as the metro area Director for CSB for over 25 years leading countless men to Christ through his ministry. During this time, Roy also served on the Board of Directors for Dr. Jack Van Impe Ministries and was even the executive producer for a season of their television show. Roy moved his membership to Solid Rock Bible Church of Plymouth where he served as a small group Bible Study leader for years. When the church opened a new branch in South Lyon, Roy moved his membership there to help grow that congregation. Behind the scene’s Roy was able to help many former ministers transition to other fields after they had left the ministry as a way of taking care of people when others didn’t know how to.

Roy’s greatest source of pride was his family. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Linda Neal, and his two children, Christine Ferrell and her husband, Rev. William Ferrell, and Roy Neal III. He is survived by his grandchild Kimberly Ferrell, 9 nephews and nieces along with 8 step nephews and nieces. In addition, he is survived by both his older sisters, Betty and Pat, along with his younger brother Charlie.

Roy Neal Jr. was an amazing man. He was blunt and to the point, but quick to lend a helping hand to anyone that needed it. Hosting family events where he often cooked for everyone, he could typically be found siting on his deck watching all the action in the backyard telling stories and making everyone laugh. He lived an incredible life as a loving husband, father, grandparent, teacher and coach. He made

the world around him a better place. He made those around him strive to be better as he was an example of character and integrity. He will be greatly missed.