Rev. Lawrence McNeal

McNEAL Rev. Lawrence McNeal, age 85, was born September 27, 1920 in Roda, Virginia. He went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, August 9, 2006. Rev. McNeal retired from the U.S. Air Force after 30 years of service, and was a member of the Pilgrim Baptist Church, he belonged to the Columbus Baptist Ministerial Alliance. He was predeceased by his parents John and Willie Lee McNeal, his loving wife of 57 years Clara Mae McNeal, brothers James Robert and Edward McNeal, and his sister Stella Fails. He leaves to cherish his memory his sons, Rev. Lawrence E. (Ann) McNeal, Sr., Clarence B. (Anita) McNeal, Charles E. (Beverly) McNeal, all of Columbus, OH; daughter, Hazel Lynn (Bud) Jones of Emile, AL; sisters, Roberta Neely of Birmingham, AL, Catherine Scruggs of Detroit, MI; devoted sister-in-law, Clemestine (Joe) Perrymon of Birmingham, AL; brothers-in-law, Clinton (Ada) Murdock of Los Angeles, CA, James (Patricia) Murdock of Huntsville, AL, and Robert Murdock of Birmingham, AL; eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Homegoing service 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 15, 2006 at the Pilgrim Baptist Church, 26 N. 21st St., Rev. Elon Meeks, officiating. Rev. McNeal will lie in state Monday, 2-5 p.m. in the chapel of DIEHL-WHITTAKER FUNERAL SERVICE, 720 E. Long St. The family will receive friends at the Pilgrim Baptist Church Tuesday, 10 a.m. until the start of funeral service. Interment in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.