Joe Neal Summerville

Joe Neal Summerville, age 78, loving father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, surrounded by family sharing stories and laughter.

Neal was born in Louisville on February 16, 1947, to Margaret and Joe Summerville. He proudly graduated from Male High School and played drums in the marching band under the direction of Roy Boesser, who nurtured his talent and believed in him like no teacher had before. Though Neal didn't play the drums at his alma mater, Western Kentucky University, he went on to be an avid music lover and attended hundreds of concerts in his lifetime. He had an encyclopedic knowledge about music and an impressive 45 collection housed in homemade sleeves with the artist and song written in his distinct, illegible handwriting.

Neal was a lifelong sports fanatic. As a 12 year-old, he played baseball on a team called the Oddballs, coached by Don Wedding, who went on to be an enduring friend. Neal attended UK basketball games for decades and cheered on the Reds from his couch. He enjoyed taking his daughter and nieces to Redbirds games, teaching them how to keep score the old-fashioned way.

Of all his accomplishments and passions, the only one that really mattered to Neal was being a father and a grandfather. He spoke to his daughter, London, nearly every day and treasured the times he was able to visit his granddaughters, Evelyn and Charlotte, at their home in Illinois. He was so proud of them all.

Neal's family and friends might describe him as blunt or grumpy, but he was a loyal friend, and throughout his life, Neal attracted kind people who saw the best in him. This included the Thomas family, his employer for two decades, and his true-blue childhood friend Melvin Schafer. For the last four years of his life, he joined the community at Hellenic Senior Living in New Albany. He was embraced and appreciated by the staff and residents there, warts and all.

Neal is survived by his daughter, London Summerville (Tim Herbert); his granddaughters, Evelyn and Charlotte Herbert; his sister, Sue Dotson; and his niece, Kate Schildknecht Greer. He is predeceased by his parents and his niece, Julie Schildknecht Marsh.

A funeral service will be held at Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Road, on Saturday, October 4th, 2025 at 12:00pm, with burial to follow at Resthaven Cemetery. Visitation at the funeral home will be from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Donations in Neal's honor can be made to the organization Music for All.