Edward Garrison Neal

Edward Garrison “Gary” Neal passed away peacefully on March 22, 2025 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s. Gary was born March 20, 1940, in his favorite place of Abingdon, Virginia. He is pre-deceased by his father, James Neal, his mother, Edna Mae Millsap and his stepfather, Ernest “Sherman” Millsap. He is survived by his wife of twenty-three years, Diane. Also survived by his former wife Carole Elkins Neal and their two children, Jay Neal (Dr. LeeAnn Rhodes) and Heather Weitzel (Eric). Two stepdaughters, Jennifer Long (Dan) and Vivian Fish. Seven grandchildren, Michael, Joshua, David and Rachel Neal and Sara (Santiago), Noah and Matthew Weitzel and two step-grandsons, Mitchell and Cameron Long. He is also survived by his sister, Joyce Powell.

Gary graduated from William King High School in Abingdon, Virginia. He was recruited on a football scholarship to Florida State University where he graduated in 1962. He earned his Juris Doctorate from University of Baltimore Law School and a Master of Laws from George Washington University Law School. He was both a prosecutor and a defense/civil litigation attorney for over fifty years, but by far his favorite working experience was that of Assistant State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County, MD. He loved working with prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges and police officers. He made life-long friends, many of whom reached out to him when they were aware of his decline. His wife thanks those of you who stayed in touch.

Gary never met a stranger. He genuinely loved people and nurtured his friendships. Over the course of his life, he was an avid reader, loved to play bridge, run, play basketball, rugby, tennis, snow ski, camp in the wilderness in Alaska and Montana, take trips with his wine and tennis friends, and so much more. He especially loved Maryland basketball and Florida State football. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity and maintained friendships with fraternity brothers over a span of sixty plus years.

He traveled to all seven continents with his wife, Diane, enjoying every trip and experience making new friends along the way.

A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later time.

Donations can be made in his memory to Alzheimer’s Association alz.org or Tunnel to Towers Foundation t2t.org.