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Gregory Lynn McNeal was born in Carbondale, IL on August 9, 1948 to William Junior McNeal and Barbara Jean Lackey McNeal. He spent his early childhood in Hot Springs, AR along with his two brothers Garrett and Glendon. He enjoyed Boy Scouts and when he returned from Boy Scout camp at age 10 he was sent to the Arkansas Baptist Home in Monticello, AR along with his brothers when his parents divorced. He always said it was the best place for them and remained there until his graduation where he learned the important values of hard work, trustworthiness and dependability. He was crowned Prom King in his senior year, played football and was the Arkansas State Champion in the mile track event. He enrolled in Ouachita Baptist University for two years until he was due to be drafted and joined the US Navy in 1968 during the Vietnam War. He served his country 4 years and was discharged as a BM2 (boatswain's mate second class). He moved to Memphis, TN where he enrolled in the University of Memphis and received his BA in accounting. He also worked as an intern for the IRS and when he graduated, he became a full-time employee of the IRS until he retired in 2011. He met and married the love of his life, Karen Kulpaca McNeal in Houston where they first met at the pool on the weekend and was hooked on her cooking. Greg and Karen raised 3 sons, Gregory Jr, Justin and Joshua who were their pride and joy. He volunteered often and was a Boy Scout leader, soccer coach, swim team timer and was always the first to help when needed. His three sons each rose to the rank of Eagle Scout and he was very proud of their accomplishments and was able to go to Philmont and the Upper Boundary Waters with them. When the boys left home, he and Karen became avid scuba divers and traveled the world on many, many scuba adventures including Palau, Yap and the Galapagos. They also traveled extensively and managed to hit 5 continents including Antarctica. They had a favorite secret code that they used with each other, posted on notes to each other and when signing off on the phone: SHMILY (see how much I love you). Greg was a collector of coins, stamps and paper money and especially enjoyed cataloging paper money mostly US currency and traded with various collectors around the US and recruited various family members in different federal reserve districts to get dollar bills for his collection and trading. Greg was diagnosed with a glioblastoma in March 2018 and battled this fatal disease until he died peacefully in his sleep in his own bed, in his own home, with his wife and son Justin by his side on May 31, one day shy of the traditional Memorial Day. He leaves behind his grieving wife Karen of 38 years, sons Gregory (wife Tonia), Justin and Joshua (Alvina) and his daughter Amanda (husband William) and two grandchildren, Blake and Brooke and his brother Garrett.
He will be interred at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD with military honors in the Black Hills where he and Karen were married, and their children were baptized. Any memorial donations can be made in his memory to the Arkansas Baptist Home in Monticello, AR.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
The journey Greg and Karen have shared the beautiful love song they have written will be heard in the hearts of many that will last your whole life long. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey and such dear friends. Our hearts go out to you and your family. Love Sheila and Dave
Sheila Decker
July 5, 2019
Sarah L Creech
July 1, 2019
Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one, Gregory. May 1 Thessalonians 4:14 bring you some comfort in knowing that there is a future for the ones we have lost in death. They are very precious in Gods eyes. May the God of all comfort strengthen your family during this time of deep sorrow.
June 19, 2019
Dear McNeal family:
I am truly sorry for your loss of Gregory. May the peace of God be with your family during this most difficult time.
2 Corith. 1:3,4
A. W.
June 18, 2019
My condolences for the family. I am sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort sustain you during this difficult time. Jeremiah 29:11,12.
June 17, 2019
Paul Laudadio
June 5, 2019
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