Photo courtesy of The J. M. Dunbar Funeral Home & Crematory - Roebuck
Apr 19, 1926 - Jan 29, 2014
Coach Neal was "my" coach and although he worked me hard (as I was overweight) he always treated me just like everyone else all the while knowing I could do it! He is sorely missed and I thank God for him!
Donnie Jones
January 24, 2021 | Easley, SC | Friend
Mr. Neal is one of the kindest men I have ever met. His memory is strong even after 22 years since graduation at Tryon High, 92.
I learned how to drive one summer by his hand in a 1990 ford escort. We spent hours driving about the back roads in conversation.
His humor and gentle nature was present in everything he did. I particularly remember gym class and his eye for bullies, then strong voice to see everyone feel the team.
I was sadden to see his...
Neil Hall
February 13, 2014 | Atlanta, GA
I will never forget that "Coach" took time to come to Greenville some 12 or so years ago to help me do some coaching when I had a team of little leaguers. It both blessed me and made such an impression on my team. He is more than missed.
Donnie Jones
February 01, 2014 | Easley, SC
Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Wanda Webb
February 01, 2014 | Spartanburg, SC
Coach was a great man. Touched us all in so many ways. I am Honored to have known him. Thinking of you coach and your family.
David Mills
February 01, 2014 | Surfside Beach, SC
We were all blessed in the different ways that coach Neal impacted our lives. He was my dads high school football coach he was my teacher and my p.e. teacher. Anytime that I didn't want to have to dress out for p.e. I could bring him an apple and he would just let me sit out . when I didnt want to have to dissect the frog in science he told me to just suck it up laughing the whole time . he was always kind and generous and the best teacher that I ever had . he will be missed greatly by...
Jennifer mccraw
January 31, 2014 | Columbus, NC
Don and I treasure the Neal family and their friendship. We are sad for their loss and will keep them in our thoughts forever. Love, Cathy Pittman
Cathy Pittman
January 31, 2014 | Greer, SC
My Uncle Elmo was the kindest, most gentle man. His Catholic faith was evident in the way he lived his life and especially in his dedication to his family. My mother used to speak so fondly about what a positive, supportive big brother he was. My deepest prayers for comfort and peace are being offered for Toma, Dee, David, Austin, Andew, Jared, and for Sr. Mary Thomas.
Lynn Palazzo
January 31, 2014 | Marietta, GA
Coach Neal was an awesome man. He treated everyone the same. He had a great heart. May God bless his family. RIP Gone but never forgotten.
Costina Davis
January 31, 2014 | Tryon, NC
Spartanburg, SC- Elmo F. Neal, 87, husband of Toma Austin Neal, died Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at his home. Born in Summerville, SC, Elmo was a son of the late Peter J. and Mary Dunning Neal. He was a graduate of Summerville High School, received his Master's Degree from Western Carolina University, and was a World War II Veteran serving in the Navy. Elmo was principal, head coach, and a teacher at Tryon High School, in Tryon, NC, and served the Polk County school district in various capacities for over 30 years. He also taught and coached at Hart County High School in Hartwell, Georgia. Elmo was also a member of the Catholic Church of Jesus Our Risen Savior in Spartanburg, SC. He will always be remembered for living his faith, loving his family, and his loyalty to his profession.In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, DeWanda (David W.) Dyson, of Spartanburg, and D. Austin Neal of Austin, TX; grandsons, D. Andrew Dyson, and Jared A. Dyson of Spartanburg; a brother, George P. (Joann) Neal of Atlanta, Ga; sisters, Trudy Flannagan of Madison, Wisconsin, and Mary Thomas Neal of Charleston, SC; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Ellen Harrelson.Pall bearers are: Steve Massey, Bill Metcalf, Ken Sanford, Glenn Thompson, Lewis Crissone, Sonny Lankford, Bob Gregg, Anson Merrick, Newt Raff, and Bill Brock. All former players are asked to serve as Honorary Pall Bearers. His players want everyone to know that he was and will always be known as "Coach".The family will received friends on Saturday, February 1st, 10:30am, at Jesus Our Risen Savior Catholic Church.A funeral mass will follow at 12:00noon in the sanctuary.Burial will be held in Mountain View Cemetery, North Ave, Greer, SC 29651.The family is at the residence.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Catholic Church of Jesus Our Risen Savior, 2575 Reidville Rd, Spartanburg, SC 29301; Covenant Baptist Church, 200 Evangel Road, Spartanburg, 29301, and Piedmont Hospice, 209 Riverside Ct, Greer, SC 29650.
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