Richard Dean (RD) Neal was born January 23, 1932 to parents Gid Caleb Neal and Beulah Lillian Neal in Memphis.  He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Betty Jean Neal.  He was the oldest of six children all of whom have gone before him to their Heavenly home with the exception of his sister, Shirley Ann Berry (Jimmy) who lives in Water Valley, Mississippi.

Dean was the proud father of five children, Richard Dean Neal Jr. of  Hernando, Mississippi, Michael Linson Neal (Shelley) of Southaven, Mississippi, and James Raymond Neal (Ann) of Leighton, Alabama, Lee Ann Rowland (James), and Denna Bollinger (Richard) also from Southaven, Mississippi.

Dean was also proud to share his love with his six grandchildren Jennifer Nicole Hendrick (Bill), Justin Dean Neal, Raymie Lane Neal, Johnathan Blake Rowland (Tirzah), Jacob Bollinger and Emily Bollinger, also three great grandchildren Hailey Kay Hendrick, Elijah Thurman Hendrick and Oliver Nicholas Rowland.

In his early years, due to family difficulties, Dean began helping out in the family business as early as 13 years old.  The business was a popular sandwich café named "White Tower Sandwich Café", located in Memphis at Latham and McLemore Streets.  Often, situations arose where Dean was needed to manage the café alone.  He quickly took on all the responsibilities of taking orders, preparing the food, serving the food, and even bussing and cleaning tables and counters after diners were gone.  As a young boy he worked long and hard hours,  even once being hospitalized from severe fatigue and suffering with symptoms of exhaustion and malnutrition from lack of rest and food.

Later as a young man, Dean proudly enlisted to serve our country in The Air Force; however, after his father suffered an unexpected death, Dean was honorably discharged to return to Memphis to, again, proudly step up to care for his family who were now struggling without their father and bread winner.

Dean's siblings all grew up and made families of their own and the family business eventually closed and Dean then began a 44 year career with the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad.  Here he made lifelong friends that quickly became as close as family.

During this time Dean worked as a small business owner serving the mid-south area with his HVAC skills and worked tirelessly trying to serve as many folks that needed his help.

Dean Neal valued hard work, honesty, and the value of a man's word.  Dean has closed his chapter of this earthly life with no regrets as he leaves this world and joins his beloved wife, Jean, who has a seat saved for him as they dine together at the table with our savior, Jesus Christ.

Dean's memory of love, hard work, and dedication to his family will live on forever in the hearts of all that knew him.