Earnest Neal

EARNEST NEAL JR. was born May 12, 1943 in Millington, Tennessee.  He was the eldest of four children born to loving parents, Will J. and Corrine Neal. His father passed away when Earnest was very young. Afterwards, the family moved to San Diego, California, where his mother met and married Phillip Anthony Leal, affectionately known as “Pops”. This union brought together the Neal and Leal children as one family. Earnest was educated in Millington and San Diego, where he graduated from San Diego High School.

Shortly after high school, Earnest enlisted into the United States Army, where he served during the Vietnam Conflict. He received his Honorable Discharge during the early 1960s.

It was a joyous day when Earnest was blessed with twins, Michael and Curtis. He later married Julia Faye. Their union was blessed with six children, Earnest, Jr., Sophia, Rose, Yvette, Victor and Kimberly.  Although Julia and Earnest’s marriage ended, they remained friends. Later in life, Earnest was blessed with sons, Marcus, Earnie and daughter, Corrine. His children and grand-children were the joy of his life.

Earnest, also known as “Neal or Big Earnest” lived his life without a filter, saying exactly what was on his mind; He was fast, loud, fun-loving, humorous and always full of jokes; yet, he loved and cared and was willing to do whatever he could for his family and friends. He enjoyed gambling, partying and singing along to “Oldies but Goodies” songs, as well as, riding motorcycles, driving fast cars, collecting guns and warrior style knives. His presence was large and so is the empty space in the hearts of those who knew and loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his son, Lil Earnest; both of his parents; brother, Robert; his sister, Diane; and stepbrothers, Tony, Chris and Timmy.

On Wednesday, December 13, 2018, Earnest Neal Jr. was called from earthly labor to eternal rest. He leaves to cherish his memory his children: twins, Michael and Curtis; Earnest “Lil Earnest”., Sophia, Rose, Yvette, Victor, Kimberly, Marcus, Earnie and Corine; two brothers, Billy and Ray and a host of uncles, aunts, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends who will mourn his passing, yet celebrate his life

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Earnest Neal, please visit our floral store.