Gerald Joseph “Jerry” Neal, age 79, of Jellico, Tennessee, the beloved husband of the late Kathy Neal, passed away late Saturday evening, August 5, 2023, at his home.

Jerry was born on March 12, 1944, to the late Joseph Neal and Eleanor R. (Curry) Neal in Greensburg, Pennsylvania.  His paternal grandparents were the late Henry and Catherine Neal.  His maternal grandparents were the late George Curry and Ida (Barton) Curry.

He was a graduate of Jellico High School – Class of 1962.  He also attended Cumberland College majoring in Business Administration.  He worked for 32 years at the McComb Supply Company where he ultimately became President.  Later, he became a real estate agent and real estate broker.

Perhaps Jerry could best be described in one word – gentleman.  He was a beloved son, dear brother, devoted husband, loving father, and faithful friend.  He was a faithful Christian who served in many capacities at the Jellico First Baptist Church throughout many years. 

He was also a tireless statesman who not only served our country proudly in the United States Army but also dedicated much of his life to the promotion and enhancement of the City of Jellico.  In fact, he was elected to the Jellico City Council for the fourth time in 2022.  He was the Caring Hearts Committee Chairman for many years.

Jerry was a life-long sports fan who enjoyed playing several sports including basketball and tennis.  He organized and played in a tennis league in Jellico in the early to mid 1970’s.  He later co-founded Jellico Junior Pro Basketball in 1986 where he administered and coached for several years.  He especially enjoyed coaching his son Joseph’s basketball team.  It goes without saying that Jerry was a huge UT Vol Fan.

He and his wife, Kathy, who were married on January 4, 1975, enjoyed 44 years of marriage until her untimely death on August 1, 2019.  They enjoyed building a wonderful life and home together and also enjoyed vacationing not only with family members but also with numerous friends over the years.  He was well known and well liked by many and will be sadly missed.

In addition to his parents and grandparents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kathryne Lynne (Lambdin) “Kathy” Neal; sister, Karen (Neal) Sperro; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Albert C. Lambdin, Sr. and Beulah (Bennett) Lambdin; and brother-in-law, Albert C. Lambdin, Jr.

He is survived by his son, Joseph Neal, of Knoxville, Tennessee; sister, Patty Neal-Smith, and husband, Ron Smith, of Troutville, Virginia; three nephews, Keith Watson, of Sykesville, Maryland, Kent Watson, of Oswego, Oregon, and Neal Grisso, of Evanston, Wyoming; niece, Kelly Arter, of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; several great-nephews and great-nieces; sister-in-law, Betty (Lambdin) Allen, of Belton, Missouri; and a host of friends, neighbors, and other relatives to mourn his passing.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Thursday afternoon, August 10, 2023, beginning at 5:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Jellico.

The funeral will immediately follow on Thursday evening, August 10, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. with Pastor Dr. Bob Dunston officiating.  

Special music will be provided by Dr. Jeff Smoak and Mrs. Betty R. Hurst.

Military Graveside Services will be conducted at the Jellico Cemetery beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 11, 2023, which has also been proclaimed “Gerald Joseph ‘Jerry’ Neal Day” in the City of Jellico by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen.  Interment will immediately follow.

Honorary Pallbearers will be the Jellico Board of Mayor and Aldermen – Mayor, Sandy Terry and Vice Mayor, Sara Barton Proffitt; and Aldermen, Teresa Adkins, Marty Bowlin, Joe Creekmore, and Suzette Davenport.

The family would like to offer special thanks to Kathy Reed who provided excellent services to our family for many years.

Cox & Son Funeral Home of Jellico is in charge of all arrangements.

“Serving families in East Tennessee and Southeast Kentucky since 1910”

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