Col. Larry Washington Neale (U.S. Army, Ret.)

Colonel Larry W. Neale (U.S. Army, Ret.) passed away on Thursday, May 25, 2017. He was born on January 10, 1939 in King William, Virginia and was a long time member of Bethany Baptist Church. In 1960 he graduated with a BS in Business Administration from Virginia State University and received a Regular Army (RA) Commission through its ROTC program. Following courses completed through the University of Northern Colorado's Behavior Management Studies, he received a MS in Public Administration from Shippensburg University in 1970.

Col. Neale's military achievements in the Adjutant General Corps garnered him numerous awards, including the Legion of Merit. Development of the Army's first MOS-producing Race Relations/Equal Opportunity course was one of Col. Neale's innovative approaches. In 1974 he was granted open publication by the Department of Defense for his booklet "Racial Unrest in the Army". His military service included assignments in Puerto Rico, Panama, Vietnam, the Pentagon, West Germany, and he was selected to attend the Army War College in Carlisle, PA. As Professor of Military Science at Hampton University, he was honored as the first recipient of the University's Distinguished Service Award in 1981. Assistant Chief of Staff at the 7th Signal Command was his last military assignment. Upon his retirement the flag was flown at the US Capitol in his honor. Following his retirement in1983, he became a successful entrepreneur and enjoyed family, travel, boating and golf until the onset of his extended illness.

Col. Neale was preceded in death by his parents, Elwood and Eunice Neale, and brothers Elwood and Richard Neale. He leaves to cherish his memory, a devoted wife of 57 years, Ruby Neale; two beloved daughters Tammy Neale Ackerman (Eric) and Tracey Neale; four grandchildren Jamisen and Trey Taylor, Emebet and Eyasu Neale; a step-granddaughter, Alexandra Ackerman; a great-grandson Vincent; a loving sister Carrie (Alvin) Washington; a sister-in-law (Shirley Neale); two Bermuda sisters-in-law (Lorraine Ingham and Betty John); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and long-time friends.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, June 6, 2017 from noon to 1:00 pm, at the Centurion Interdenominational Church, formerly known as the Chapel of the Centurion, 54 Bernard Road, Fort Monroe, Hampton, Virginia 23651. Following the visitation, funeral services will begin at 1:00. Entombment will take place at the mausoleum chapel of Parklawn Memorial Park, 2551 N. Armistead Avenue, Hampton, Virginia 23666, with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Parkinson's Foundation in the name of Larry Neale at www.parkinson.org/tribute or National Parkinson's Foundation Attn.: Donations, 200 SE First Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131, or the Centurion Interdenominational Church, 54 Bernard Road, Fort Monroe, Hampton, Virginia 23651.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA 23666.