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James Robert "Bob" Neal Jr.

James Neal Obituary

JAMES ROBERT "BOB" NEAL, JR., age 84, passed away Wednesday evening, the 1st of February 2006, in Miami Beach, Florida. Bob was born in Houston on the 25th of June 1921 to James Robert Neal, Sr. and Marian Holt Seward. Predeceased by his wife, Dolores Faith Neal, Bob is survived by his children; John Randolph, Michael Mitchell, and Melanie Maxwell Neal; and his sisters, Marian Neal Rubey Davis and Nina Neal DeWitz. He is also survived by his nephews, James "Tony" Dodge and Dr. Robert Neal Rubey; nieces, Marian Seward "Mitten" Rubey and Deborah Elizabeth Dodge; and sister-in-law, Georganna Hedges Fauntleroy. Bob attended Kinkaid school in Houston, and went on to attend the Hill School in Pennsylvania, and Washington & Lee University in Virginia. He joined the Army in 1943 and served as an instructor in aircraft recognition in the Army Air Force during World War II. After the war, he spent many wonderful years in Southern California, residing in Palm Springs, New Port Beach, and Beverly Hills. A well known man-about-town, Bob was recognized by the U.P.I. as one of the top ten most eligible bachelors in the world alongside Howard Hughes, Marlon Brando, and King Baudovin of Belgium. In 1954, he stood as best man at the wedding of Peter Lawford and Pat Kennedy. While in Palm Springs, he met and fell in love with Delores Faith Hedges and the couple married in 1972. A frequent visitor to South Florida, he and his family moved to Miami in 1981. Bob's love of boats and islands kept him close to and on the ocean for many years. A loving father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, his loss will be felt by many. Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o'clock in the afternoon until seven o'clock in the evening on Wednesday, the 8th of February, in the Library of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston. The funeral service will be conducted at eleven o'clock in the morning on Thursday, the 9th of February, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston. The committal service and interment will follow, via an escorted cortege, in the J. W. Neal family burial estate at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, 6900 Lawndale Avenue in Houston.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Houston Chronicle from Feb. 7 to Feb. 8, 2006.

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Dan Feulner

September 10, 2024

My mother in law owned The Palm Bay Club in Miami, where he and Delores lived.
What a life lived and the stories it could tell.

R. David Freeman

May 30, 2006

Robert was a family friend throughout my college years and in my mid-20's, I worked for his company, WestJet Aviation. Bob helped me get back on the right track while in college and for that, I will always be grateful. Robert was a man who always appreciated the best things in life, especially a good laugh. When the subject of "death" was discussed over drinks in Palm Springs nearly 35 years ago, I remember him saying to me "what is my second choice". Rest in Peace, Robert.

Arden Westbrook-Brock

May 30, 2006

Robert and Delores Neal treated Pam Parker and me like family when we

were in our 20's.

I lived in Los Angeles for 4 years and during that time Pam and I went to London and France with them.

I still have the pictures.

I spent most of my weekends driving to Palm Springs with Pam.

The times we had.

I don't think I remember how to

laugh like that.

I moved back to Texas, Robert and Delores moved to Florida, and I kept in touch through those incredible Christmas

cards of you three kids.

I'm fairly certain I still have

all of those cards.

Pam Freeman Parker is still like a

sister to me after over 40 years.

I have Robert and Delores to thank

for turning friendship into family.

Your dad had more personality in

his little finger anyone I've ever

known.

I can remember a magazine article

several years ago with a picture of

Robert on his super speedboat that

he called the Warpath. And you kids

would say "Dad's on the Warpath".

That is so perfectly typical of the

Neal humor.

I can tell you this.

There is laughter and fascination

in heaven since he arrived.

Pam and I would like to know how

you kids are. We were there when

you were babies.

Email me if you read this.

Love to all of you from a voice

out of the past.

Pamela Parker

May 30, 2006

I have only just heard of Robert's passing and send my condolences to all the family. Especially to my God-Son, John Randolph. Robert and his beautiful wife Dolores were an important part of my life for many years and we shared wonderful times together. I have thought of them often over these last years and still miss my best friend, Dolores. God bless you, Robert and thank you for all the "good times".

Lisa Bialac-Jehle

April 10, 2006

I am so sorry. As you know, JR was one of my father's closest friends. I knew your dad, brother, uncle, grandpa, literally since the day I was born and have heard about his family for as long. I will truly miss talking with Bob, as I so often did. My thoughts and best wishes are with all of you.

Anthony Carrozza

February 8, 2006

A dear friend has passed. I had known Bob for only three years, but it felt like a lifetime. To his family and friends I can only say that he will be missed.

Robert E. "Bobby" Corrigan

February 7, 2006

My sincerest and deepest sympathy to all the family. I had many visits with Robert on Lazy Lane when I would come over to see "Puddin". We had fun in Aspen with Marian and Billy and Jim Griffith. Lots of fond memories. Bob was a fun guy. He will be missed by many.

Gianfranco Meza

February 7, 2006

Bob was a dear friend as well as my only neighbor in Palm Bay Tower's 22nd floor. I spent countless hours learning from and admiring this great man. At 1st his stories seemed "too incredible" but Bob always had the pictures to back everything he said. He loved the best things in life. He had the dignity and class of a true gentleman. Last time I spoke to him, he was very happy and proud of his kids, to whom I offer my condolences. I will always remember Bob.

PETER CARRIER

February 7, 2006

I LIVE IN THE GRAND, AS YOUR FATHER DID. I ENJOYED MEETING HIM DAILY/WEEKLY AT LE FAUBOURG AND LISTENING TO HIS STORIES OF HIS YOUNGER DAYS. HE WAS A RACONTEUR, HE TOLD VERY INTERESTING STORIES. I WILL MISS HIM GREATLY AND YOU THE FAMILY MOST OF ALL.

MY VERY DEAPEST SYMPATHIES AND TO YOU J.R. IN THE VENETIA THAT I KNOW PERSONALLY.

Da-Kisha Gantt

February 6, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time of great loss. Hold close the fond memories of your father. with sincerest thoughts...... your agent Kisha

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