Walter Gary Neal, Sr.

Walter Gary Neal Sr (Gary) was born in Glenwood, GA to DC and Margaret Neal on Jan 4, 1943. His daddy provided the love, and his mama took care of the discipline in the home. They both loved him and his siblings (Waudene, Glenda, and Gawaine) very much and made sure they knew the Love of Christ. They moved to Macon when he was a young boy. He graduated from Lanier High School in 1961 and met Shelvia Oakley, the love of his life, in 1963. After a short 5- month romance, they were married on Feb 8, 1964 at the age of 17 and 21. In three years, they had two children, Tammy and Walt.

Gary was a postman for the U.S. Postal Service and was the bookkeeper extraordinaire for Shelvy’s In Shurlington, but it was his time as the afternoon pickup parent from school that created memories. Each day had a fun routine, but Thursday trips to the TV station to see wrestling stand out. He was always at ballgames cheering the kids on and correcting the ump. Many weekends were spent packing up the camper and traveling with a convoy of family friends to different campgrounds across the Southeast.

As time went on, alcoholism took a short hold on his life. However, in 1995, Gary gave the addiction over to God, drank his last six pack on the way to Willing Way Treatment Center and has not drank a drop since unless you count the Budweiser in his famous chili.

In 1997, Gary became a PaPooh, name given to him by his 1st grandchild, DeLaine. As wonderful of a daddy he was, he was an even better PaPooh to DeLaine, Jessi, WG, and Page. Papooh was very stern but would let the grand children get away with things that nobody else could get away with, from dressing him up to crazy adventures around the house. Papooh gave the grandchildren endless support and was very involved in all of their lives and activities. Papooh was never the most talkative in the room so one of his special activities was taking the kids to dinner to chat about their lives and his stories of the past. He was a wonderful role model for the grandkids by sharing his passion for the Lord and showing how much he loved his family.

He found his strength in Jesus and his fellowship in Celebrate Recovery. Celebrate Recovery changed his hurts, habits, and hangups so much that he faithfully took it into the Prison for over 20 years, serving 15 of those as the State Rep for Celebrate Recovery Inside. This calling was not a natural part of Gary’s personality, but God transformed him to accomplish His goals. He needed routine and structure in his life, and this became his passion. He has many letters written to him by inmates sharing their personal testimonies of salvation, forgiveness, freedom, and healing.

Gary was an avid collector of antique Fords with at best count over 10 different vehicles over the past 25 years. He loved taking his vehicles to local car shows and hanging out with all of the other car lovers. He also loved to win and often returned home with a trophy or two.

Family he proceeded to Heaven are his wonderful wife of 62 years, Shelvy Oakley Neal; Children Tammy (John) Crutchfield and Walter (Walt) Gary Neal Jr; grandchildren DeLaine Crutchfield Hibyan (Mark), Jessi Crutchfield, Walter Gary (WG) Neal III, and Page Neal; sister, Glenda Heath; special treasure like a daughter, Dollie Shankle, and many nephews and nieces. Proceeding him to Heaven and part of his welcome committee are his parents, DC and Margaret Neal, in-laws (Joe and Mary Oakley), two siblings (Waudene Gonzales and Gawaine Neal), sister-in-law (Carol Phelps), many friends, and some of the men he shared the gospel with in prison.

The celebration of Gary’s life is at 2 PM on Sunday, March 22 at Gary’s and Shelvy’s old house known now as Sardis-Heard funeral home, 6125 Houston Rd., Macon, GA, 31216. Following the ceremony will be a short graveside service at Glen Haven Cemetery followed by a meal reception back at the old house Sardis-Heard. Everybody welcome! Dress is casual.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Celebrate Recovery at Southside Baptist Church. 1040 S Houston Lake Rd. Warner Robins, Ga 31088.