J. Neal Vestal, 82, of Eden, NC passed away at his home on Saturday, June 11, 2011. Funeral service will be held 11:00 AM, Tuesday, June 14 at The First Church of the Brethren, Eden, NC with Rev. Rick Edwards officiating. Interment will follow at Overlook Cemetery. Neal was born on May 2, 1929 in Spray (now Eden) NC to the late Vernard Neal Vestal and Bessie Vestal Fargis. After graduating from Leaksville High School in 1948, he married his high school sweetheart, Alma Meeks Vestal, in 1949. Mr. Vestal was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force following faithful service to his country during the Korean War. He then earned an Associate‚Äö?Ñ??s Degree in Building Construction from Southern Polytechnic State University (formerly Southern Technical Institute) in Georgia. After graduation, Neal and Alma moved to Greensboro, NC where he lived for 45 years working in the building construction business until his retirement. He returned to his hometown of Eden, NC in 1999. Neal was a member of The First Church of the Brethren in Eden, NC and a former member of the Greensboro Lions Club. He is survived by his wife, Alma of the home; son, James N. Vestal, Jr. of Raleigh, NC; son, Jeffrey V. Vestal (wife, Shirley) of Greensboro, NC; daughter, Elizabeth V. McGalliard (husband, Robert) of Jamestown, NC; six grandchildren, Clare and Hannah Vestal of Raleigh, NC; Jacob Vestal of Durham, NC; Elizabeth Vestal of Greensboro, NC; Aaron and Shelby McGalliard of Jamestown, NC; sister, Geneva Moore of Aiken, SC; numerous nieces and nephews and honorary ‚Äö?Ñ?ªgranddaughter‚Äö?Ñ‚àû Ellen Hudgins of Eden, NC. In addition to his parents, Mr. Vestal was preceded in death by his sister, Garneda Bennett and step-father, William Fargis. The family will receive friends 6:00 until 8:00 PM on Monday, June 13 at Fair Funeral Home, Eden, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Home and Family Life Committee c/o The First Church of the Brethren, 730 Church Street, Eden, NC 27288. Online condolences may be made to the family at fairfuneralhome.com
Alma and Family, We are so sorry. Neal was a wonderful man and a faithful and loyal friend. Our love, prayers, and sympathy to all of you. Rick & Peggy
Richard & Peggy Kallam
I am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Frances McGuire
All of us here at Southern Polytechnic State University send our deepest sympathy on Neal's passing. We are proud that he was a graduate of this institution, and we share in your your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Warmly, Lisa Rossbacher, President, SPSU
Lisa Rossbacher
Dear Alma and family, I am so very sorry to hear of the death of Neal. Our heart felt sympathy go out to you at this time of sorrow. We will keep you in our prayers. Phil and Joan Martin
Joan and Phil Martin
Jeff and Family, We are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Clint Ladd and Family,
Clint Ladd and Family
Jeff, My deepest sympathy to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lotti Teachey
To the family of Mr. Vestal, I was so saddened to hear of the loss of such a wonderful man. I just thought the world of him. I can remember him coming to the TGRC plays that my son was a part of and he always seemed to enjoy them so much and always had something good to say to my son about what a great job he did. Such a wonderful person, such a great loss but I know it is surely heavens gain. To his wife, I pray that God will wrap his arms around you and give you the strength you need now and in the days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this very difficult time. Love and prayers, Jimmy, Tammy,and Tyler Jeffries- Larry Cheek and Family
Tammy Cheek Jeffries
Jim, so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dave and Jane Brainard
Mrs Vestal and family We were very sorry to hear of the passing of Neal. Although we did not have alot of contact we remember him as a very nice man and part of our family. We also remember his Mother as a very nice and sweet person. God bless each of you and give you the strength you need during this time. Our love and prayers are with you. Autry, Doug, Kirby and Yvonne (Russell Foley children)
yvonne and autry foley
Dear Alma I just read of the loss of your husband. I'm so sorry. You may not remember me but you and I were in the same group at BSF at Lawndale B. Church in Greensboro just before you moved. I think our husbands also knew each other through similar occupations at that time. My husband was Clayton Smith, Building Inspector for the City of Greensboro.We lost him last August, (they were the same age.) I know the heartache that comes from losing someone that close. Just want you to know You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. There is comfort in our Lord. In Christin Love Pat Smith
Patsy Smith
Dear Family Of Mr. J Neal Vestal, Sorry For Your Loss, I Graduated With His Son James N. Vestal Jr. Class Of 1991, John Motley Morehead High School. Mr. Vestal Was A Very Fine Man, I Liked Talking To Him. Didn't Know That His Son Was James N. Vestal, Till He Told Me. May God Comfort And Be With You All!!!!!! Jeffrey Rakestraw
Jeffrey Rakestraw
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