Larry Ward Neal
October 11, 1948 ~ August 9, 2025
Larry Ward Neal passed away peacefully on August 9, 2025 in Denison, Texas at the age of 76. Larry was born on October 11, 1948 in Bells, Texas to Ward Story and Wanda A. (Copeland) Neal. Larry and wife Patricia Reamer met at Bells High School and they were married on November 2, 1968 at First Baptist Church, Bells. At the time of his death they were married for 56 years.
Larry and his wife, Patricia, built their life and raised their three children on Ward Neal Road, next door to where he was born. When the kids were young, he coached the Community Children Sports Leagues in various sports. He was a licensed plumber who was always ready to lend a helping hand, and his handiwork is a part of many family homes. Larry spent 45 years on the Pink Hill Water Board; he liked trying to provide rural water to the Pink Hill Community. Larry never met a stranger. He had a gift for connecting with everyone he met and a knack for telling funny stories that could fill any room with laughter. Larry's greatest joy was spending time with his family, whether they were gathered around a table for a game of 42 or fishing together. His heart softened as he aged so much that he was feeding multiple families of racoons out the back door. Larry lived a long life with many colors and left his impression on everyone that met him. The world is a better place to have had 76 years of love from him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ward and Wanda Neal; brother, Gary Neal.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Neal; daughter, Teresa Hagood and husband Greg, with their children Brock and Hermione; son, Shane Neal and his son Riley; son, Randy Neal and wife Brandi, along with their children Sophie and Grey; sisters, Bula Garner and husband Floyd, Phyllis Branham and husband Bobby, Sandra Huffhines and husband Windell; sister in law, Brenda Neal; along with an extended family of cousins, nephews and nieces.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Antioch Baptist Church 455 Pink Hill Road Bells, Texas 75414. Memorial Service will follow at 2:00 PM at Antioch Baptist Church.
Family asks in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Bells Educational Foundation or Antioch Baptist Church – Youth Fund.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Photo Gallery
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers for peace and comfort for the family.
Im am so saddened by the passing of Larry. Your whole family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you, Renee.
Thank you, James.
So sorry to hear of Larry’s passing! Prayers and condolences, God Bless!
Thank you so much for your condolences.
May Jesus encircle your family at this time and I love you all. Patricia if you ever need someone to talk to please call me. Larry is one of the sweetest guys I have ever known and he picked the perfect wife.
I was saddened to hear of Larry’s passing. It brought back great memories of he and the Neal family visiting in Tennessee and the wonderful times we shared. My heart and prayers go out to the Neal family. May God bless all of you.
John, Larry talked a lot about his Tennessee kin and his visits there. I am glad we got to visit you all several years ago. Thank you for your condolences.
Joyce, thank you so much. I have enjoyed our renewed friendship. ❤️
We prayed for Larry each time Rachelle got a new report while we were on our family adventure. It was so hard for her knowing how sick he was and she was not available to comfort all of you. She told me that Larry was her second dad. We are praying for the family to find God’s peace during this very difficult time. Love you all.
Cheryl and George Doggett
Thank you so much for the prayers. It was so nice and heart warming to know you took time out in Alaska to pray for us.
We are so sorry. Many prayers for you all. Cole, Kim, and Nick Osborn
Thank you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of loss! We know Larry will be greatly missed. May God provide you with His grace.
Thank you for prayers and thoughts. We are just blessed with so many friends far and wide. ❤️
God bless this lovely man’s family. He was a great guy.
Thank you, Darcy!
I’m so sorry for your loss. May God comfort each of you with his presence and peace.
We are so sorry for your loss. We both thought a lot of Larry. Many thoughts and prayers going out to his family. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thank you. I remember Larry talking of you. He cherished the friends he had from his working experiences.
Heaven has gain a very special angel. You have your wings now “ Larry” and free of pain. You will always be my awesome sweet Texas cuz.🙏❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss. Larry was an amazing person and played a huge role in my life. Him and Patricia were like my bonus parents growing up. He will be greatly missed. Love you all and praying for peace for each of you.
Matt thank you for the kind words. We enjoyed the time with you years ago, all the shenanigans and things that go on with raising boys.
Thank you Angela. Larry cherished his Tennessee family. I hope in the future his children could meet you all.
Love and prayers
We are so sorry for your loss. Patricia, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for your prayers. We have been in awe of all the love from our friends not forgotten but lives that went a different direction.❤️
My condolences to Larry’s family.
Larry and I rode Mr. Ford’s bus each morning & afternoon to Bells Schools for 11 years through heat, rain, snow, ice and muddy roads. Occasionally the bus slid off the road, one time teetering on a culvert.
Larry and I were teammates on the varsity football team which had winning seasons. Larry always had a smile and was a good friend during school.
After graduation, our paths were divergent but on any occasion we met, Larry with a smile was glad to revive our friendship.
May his soul rest in peace.
Thank you. It was so kind of you to take time to be with us on Wednesday.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Shane, we are saddened to hear of your dad’s passing. We know how much he meant to you and your family. Our thoughts are with you.
Aaron and Stacey Medford
Randy/Brandi, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
IM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS PRAYERS FOR YOR FAMILY
Bula and family,
Sadden to hear of the passing of Larry. My prayers are with you all.
Kenny and I are so sorry to hear this. Kenny has many fond memories of growing up around Larry, and he was always so kind and friendly to both of us. So very sorry for your loss, Patricia.