Roy Sylvester Neal, Sr. was born on November 9, 1932, in Beckley, West Virginia to George and Lorene Neal. At a young age, he moved to Greensboro, North Carolina and settled in Nealtown with his family. Around Age 18, he met and married the love of his life, Naomi Neal. Together they had 7 children whom he loved and cherished with all of his heart. Ves (as he was known to his friends and family) passed away peacefully at home on June 1st, 2022.

Ves spent his young adult years learning to be a skilled tradesman. He was skilled at many things. Between him, his cousin and best friend Tony and brother Robert Lewis— there was absolutely nothing that could not be accomplished. He was a painter, a baker, a carpenter, and a handyman.

For over 25 years, he worked at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in the Health Center providing nursing care for students. He also painted for the Greensboro Housing Authority.

He was an avid traveler. He passed on his love of seeing the world to his children and grandchildren by taking them all over the country in his RV while he was able. Many of those trips were Fishing trips. Whenever he had time, he found time to Fish. He was an accomplished fisherman and loved being on the water. It didn’t matter if it was freshwater or deep sea. If there were fish, he wanted to catch them— and on Fridays, with the whole family surrounding– deep fry them for everyone to enjoy.

Ves showed his love not only through service with his hands, but with service with his time. He was a proud lifelong member of Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church. He served as Steward Pro Tem, Member of the Male Chorus, and a Sunday School teacher.

While his presence will always be missed, left to celebrate his legacy and many happy memories will be his wife Naomi. On June 13th, the two would have celebrated 70 years of matrimony. He was also a loving father to Bilqis Abdul-Rashid, Roy Neal Jr. (Brenda), Teresa Newman (George), William Neal (Cheryl), Chelita Neal, Carol Hart (Sammy), and Terry Neal. He cherished the time spent with each of his grandchildren– Katina (Jeffery), Rashidah, Crystal (Edward), Hussain, Chasity (Trevor), Brian, Whitney, Farwah, Sonja, Raushana, Heather, Tara, and Sha-Reh. The best laughs will forever remain with the great grandchildren–Jalil, Cierra, Cayden, Addison, Jennifer, Emerie, Gabriella, Brooke, Milan, Lyric, Trevor, Yazmin, Kyrie, Ari, Zaire, Julius, Saliyah, Ahnia, Jaya and Judan.

Not only was a devoted husband, father and grandfather extraordinaire– he was also a caring brother. Waiting to hug their brother in heaven are Roberta Neal Sunkett, George Neal (Carol), Nellie Javery (Thomas), and Mary Allen. His other sisters and brothers- Robert L. Neal (Lottie), Samuel L. Neal, Daniel Neal (Quinne), Naomi Waddell, and Martha Jefferies will continue to cherish the moments spent with their brother.

While the family is large, even still there are other nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends that will miss his presence (and delicious baked goods).

Roy Sylvester Neal, Sr. lived a full and happy life. He was often a man of a few words (unless he was praying over Sunday dinner), but lived a life that will continue to speak of the utterings of his heart. He will truly and undoubtedly be missed, but the echoes of his footsteps will continue for generations to come. Funeral will be held, Wednesday, June 8, 2022 at 11am at Perry J. Brown Funeral Home Chapel.10:30 Visitation. Burial will follow at Mt. Zion AME Church Cemetery. Professional service entrusted to Perry J. Brown Funeral Home.