Stanley Neal

Celebrating A Life Well-Lived
Stanley Wayne Neal Sr.
Master Sergeant (Ret.) Stanley Wayne Neal Sr. was born November 8, 1958, in Dale, Texas to George and Crystal Neal and departed this life on September 3, 2025. At an early age, he committed his life to God as a member of St. Mark United Methodist Church, converting to Dale Corinth United Methodist Church later in life.
Stanley attended Lockhart High School, where he received many distinctions, awards and accolades for his standout performance as a football player (listed as follows):
. 1975 Top Offensive Player/Kicker
. 1976 - 1976 Football – Dist. 12AAA South Zone Honorable Mention Offense
. 1976 – 1977 Building Trade Outstanding Student
. 1976 – 1977 Football – All District Halfback Outstanding Offensive Player
. 1977 High School All -American Outstanding Ability in Football Scholarship
After graduating in 1977, Stanley chose to serve in the military instead of taking a college athletic scholarship. He served his country for 40 years-3 years active duty with the US Army, and 37 years in the Army National Guard. His last 6 years of Guard service saw him return to active duty during Operation Iraqi Freedom, his final deployment was in 2010 to Kuwait, where he was injured while proudly serving his country.
On June 7, 1979, Stanley married Worlanda Williams-Neal. To this union, two beautiful children were born, Stanley Wayne Jr. and Shaunna Shaunta. He raised his children as a strict but doting father, guiding them to be kind, outgoing and admirable human beings. Affectionately known as "PawPaw" to his grandchildren, who he spoiled endlessly; he was instrumental in raising his 1st grandchild, Jaelyn "Boo Boo," and contributed significantly to the lives of his two other grandchildren, XiKree Worlis and Sarai Symone. Although divorced, sincere appreciation goes out to Worlanda who came to his aid during the early onset of his diagnosis.
Throughout his time in the National Guard, Stanley developed a reputation as an exceptional cook. He was a culinary specialist who combined the precision of a soldier with the creativity of a chef and if you were in his presence, you knew you were in for a good meal. His cooking skills were home grown, learned from watching his grandmother Eva May Robertson and his mother prepare some of the best soul food and cakes in the Dale/Lockhart area, but his true talent was on the barbeque pit which led him to open his own catering business, Budget Catering, operated from 1999-2018.
Stanley had a great love for horses and showcased that love at his home, affectionately named, Painted Acres. You could always find him in Dale or Lytton Springs riding horses and barbequing. The weekend was relegated to hanging out with friends and attending trail rides but, you know Stanley would always be near the food, helping with dinner, on the pit cooking the meat, frying fish Friday nights, and preparing breakfast the next morning.
He lived his life to the fullest and on his terms, always with a smile and strong willingness to help others with joy and compassion. He found purpose and his calling in selflessly supporting those around him. His genuine positivity and unwavering encouragement made him an influence to the young men he mentored and coached in Pop-Warner Youth Football (1984-1992). During the period of 1984-1985 he led his team to an undefeated season and on to victory in the championship game.To this day, his children are told of the many ways he inspired these players to become the men they are today.
Stanley fought bravely with his daughter Shaunna as his advocate and caregiver, consistently supporting him and exemplifying the Bible's teachings that children are responsible for honoring and caring for their parents, as shown in the foundational commandment to, "Honor your father and your mother" (Exodus 20:12). Shaunna was a constant presence, never wavering in the care for her father and was by his side until his last breath.
"I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept my faith." 2Timothy 4:7-8 Job well done Soldier, well done indeed.
Stanley was preceded in death by his grandparents Bob and Eva Robertson, mother Crystal Neal-Gooden, baby sister Monica Kimble-Smith, Aunt Eva Booker, and Uncles John Roberts, Nathan Robertson and Jessie Robertson.
He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Stanley W. Neal Jr and Shaunna S. Neal; grandchildren Jaelyn S. Neal, XiKree W. Neal and Sarai S. Neal; sisters Sandra (Booker) Smith, Caroline (Ricky) Garcia, Iva Charlene Kimble; and brother Bob (Rhonda) Kimble. Aunts Beatrice Sanders, Carolyn "Bobbie" Powell and Shirley Swain; Uncle Ronald Robertson and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.