Mike Neal
Mike Lee Neal, 98, of Soddy Daisy, passed away at his residence on September 6, 2020.
Mike was born in Spring City, Tn. on April 26, 1922, and raised in the Pikeville/Rhea County area. He was a member of Sequoyah Baptist Tabernacle. Mike was an avid hunter and fisherman and greatly enjoyed Saturday night dances. He was a retired combat veteran in the U.S. Navy, serving during WWII, Korean Conflict, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the start of the Vietnam War. During his service, he received many awards including several Good Conduct Medals, Sharp Shooter Medals, Cuban Missile Crisis Medals and WWII Victory Medal. He also broke the record with over a million safe flight hours on a jet engine. After his time in active duty, he served in the Navy Reserves from 1964 to 1973, when he retired. He was an active member of the DAV and FRA. After retirement, Mike went on to be honored with several different military awards and plaques. He was featured on the July 17, 2020 episode of The Price of Freedom.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Neal and Adeline McDaniels Neal; first wife, Helen Green Neal (1958); second wife, Pearl Morrison Neal (2004); third wife, Bessie Standifer Neal (2015); brothers, Malcolm, Clarence, Brownie, John and Roy Neal; sister, Fannie Swafford; and one granddaughter.
Survivors include his son, Terry Lee Neal (Gail); daughters, Diane Loyd, Patricia Marlene Moore, Glenna Dawn Vines and Linda Karl; a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews; and special friend Jackie Ford. Mike had a special “adopted” daughter, Monkee Rawlston who escorted him to the Honor Flight in Washington D.C.
The family will receive friends on Friday from 5-9 pm and Saturday from 10 a.m. -12 p.m. at Chattanooga Funeral Home North Chapel, Hixson. The funeral service will be at 12 p.m. on Saturday in the funeral home chapel with Pastor David Stancil officiating.
Interment will follow in Hamilton Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers include Bruce Hagemeyer, Steven Karl, Wesley Loyd, Gavin Suggs, Caleb Roberson and Megan Roberson.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to DAV Robert Loveday Chapter 6, 619 Memorial Dr., Red Bank, Tn. 37415.
Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.
Mike Neal