Joseph Walter Neal

Joseph “Above Average Joe” Walter Neal III, 77, of Morehead City, North Carolina, passed away peacefully after a long battle with ALS on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at the Crystal Coast Hospice House.

A memorial service to honor Joe’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, December 10th at Munden Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. For those unable to attend, the service can be viewed through his obituary page on Munden Funeral Home’s website. The service will remain on the Funeral Home website for 90 days.

Joe was born on October 12, 1946, in Raleigh, North Carolina, to the late Dr. Joseph Walter Neal Jr. and Daisy Martin. As a Vietnam Veteran of the Air Force, he served his country with bravery, honor, and pride.

Joe pursued his education at Duke University where he earned his bachelor’s degree. His passion for aviation led him to become a successful self-employed professional in the industry. His expertise and commitment were highly respected by his colleagues and clients alike.

With an adventurous spirit, Joe found joy in collecting obscure t-shirts, a unique expression of his personality. His love for fast cars, planes, and boats reflected his adoration for all things thrilling. Whether it was embarking on a road trip, taking to the skies, or cruising on the open water, Joe embraced every opportunity to experience new adventures.

Joe was a kind-hearted and easy-going individual who effortlessly won the affection of everyone he met. His genuine Southern charm, friendly demeanor, and storytelling made him a joy to be around. He could always be counted on to bring a smile to your face. His laid-back nature made him the life of any gathering, and he cherished the friendships he cultivated throughout his life. Joe will be remembered as a loving husband, brother, and treasured friend.

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted wife, Ann Winfield “Wyndy” Hoover; brother, Kent Conrad Neal and wife Donna Susan Youraine of Morehead City, NC; beloved goddaughter, Mary Linton Kops of Kinston, NC; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Daniel Curran Hoover and Lynda Edwards Hoover of Simpsonville, SC; sister-in-law, Dana Lyn Hoover of Morehead City, NC; brothers-in-law, Daniel Curran Hoover Jr. and wife Kathryn of Raleigh, NC, Aubrey Miller Hoover and wife Shannon of Spartanburg, SC, and David Tyler Hoover of Atlantic Beach, NC; 3 adored nieces and 1 nephew; along with numerous caring friends.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the Foundation of Hope, https://walkforhope.com/ 3108 Glen Royal Rd., Raleigh, NC 27617, and the Crystal Coast Hospice House, https://www.crystalcoasthospicehouse.org/ P.O. Box 640, Newport, NC 28570.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.