When I hear certain songs of the 60's and 70's, I remember his free spirit and love for music.    

When I see the footprints prayer, I will always remember how God carried us through the difficult times, just as he carried my dad.  

When his wind chime blows on the front porch, I know that he is near.

When my teardrops fall as they so often do, they are wiped away by the precious memories that  bring a smile to my face.   

When I see the love that his sweet children, Nicole and Donald Jr,. have for their own families, I simply realize the love he had for us.

When I spend time with each of his grandchildren, I see his characteristics and talents live on.

When I see a homeless man on the street or someone who is in need, I remember his generosity and kindness.  

When I see his brothers,sister and all of our family, I am reminded of how important it is to stay connected through our love for one another.

When I think of all of the years that my parents were together, I am reminded that true love endures all things.

And as each year passes, I am able to find a little more peace.  I know that although it seems that our time on earth was far too short, I find solace in knowing that one day I will see him again and never have to say goodbye.   And as much as I miss him, I know that he is in a much better place and he will always be with us, because his legacy will never die, for it lives in each one of us.  He will forever be missed, but never forgotten. 

We love you daddy.

     

  

Christmas 2008, dad cooked the best meal ever.  He cooked the entire meal by himself, because mom had just come home from a major surgery that week.  He was doing the things he loved the most, which was cooking and spending time with his family.  That particular night he thanked me for all that I had done for him and mom.  Ironically, he told me that night that I reminded him of his mother.  He was so glad and yet amazed at how he spoke to my brother on video phone through SKYPE that evening from across the world.  His face lit up that day after they talked.  And as he cooked the Christmas meal, he asked about my sister, because she had not made it over to the house yet.  We talked about her for a minute or two and he told me that he couldn't wait to see her and the boys.  He always enjoyed their visits and that night he was so happy to see them.  It was one more thing that made his day.  That particular night I heard giggling from my parents bedroom as I prepared for bed.  I asked mom what was so funny and she told me that they were laughing at a few scenes from one of their favorite movies.  That was a beautiful day for my dad.  He was able to spend his last waking hours with his family and laughing with my mother.

He had a massive stroke early the next morning, but lived about two weeks before he went on to be with the Lord.  It was a very difficult time for the entire family.  So many people came to visit him, and there were even some friends(earthly angels) that came by the hospital to pray for him. When the sadness was too much to bare, many family and friends came to lift us up in prayer.  We realized at that time just how much he was loved and adored. We realized that God had put so many of our lovely friends and family in place to support us and comfort us as we prepared to say goodbye. We couldn't have made it without there prayers and kindness. 

I believe that God may have asked him if he wanted to stay a little while longer here on earth, but I think my dad was probably so enamered by the beauty of Heaven and the presence of God that he couldn't possibly come back.  I think that he knew we would somehow find the strength to move on through our faith.  We each promised him, in our own way, that we would be ok and would take care of our mom and each other.  We found the peace to let him go to be with his Heavenly Father where he belonged, because we truly believed in our hearts that God always takes His best first.

If you are reading this memorial page and you knew my dad, then you know how special he was.  You may even see why he was so loved and admired.  Thank you for being a part of his life.  Thank you for the times that you may have given him encouragement, even when you did not know it.  Thank you for allowing him to show you the greatest part of who he was.  Thank you for keeping in touch with him through the years, it meant alot to him.  Thank you for supporting him throughout his life. Dad had a very full life and was able to accomplish many things.  He was fortunate to reach maturity with his wife, to see his children become adults, and to know his grandchildren.  He considered himself very blessed.


And to his dear family-

You ALL may never know just how much love he had for you.  Each one of you really held a special place in his heart.  Through the good times and the storms in life, his love for you always remained strong.   My dad told me once to cherish my sister and brother.  I know that he loved his siblings to death, although they were miles apart. When you think of daddy, I hope that you are able to do so with great happiness in your heart.  No sadness, sorrows or regrets, just love and rememberance of his life and legacy.  He wouldn't have wanted it any other way.             

He was a friend to just about everyone he came across.  He was kind to everyone, no matter if they were rich or poor.  He stood up for the people that could not stand for themselves.  He would cook for friends if they were sick, and give money to someone who was in need.  He was very generous and thoughtful to his family and friends.  He had a servant's heart and believed that everyone had something special about them.  He truly cared about people and wanted the best for others.  There was never a time that I did not see my dad give or help someone who needed him. 
 
"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me." Then the righteous will answer him, saying, "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?"  And the King will answer them, "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me."

                                                                                            Matthew 25: 35-40 
 

Musician- Played drums, guitar, and sang in a smooth baratone voice.  He played drums in the Marine Corps.

Cook-  He was an amazing cook, and actually worked as a cook at the Holiday Inn in his hometown.  He made Gumbo annually for his coworkers at the Post Office.  He cooked for friends, church family, and family.  

Photographer- He had an eye for the camera and was a natural. He took pictures for family gatherings, church events, and other social events.  He also took scenic pictures during all of his travels through the years.

Well travelled- He travelled to several places throughout his lifetime with the military, his career and family vacations. 

Handyman- He had a natural knack for fixing things.  Not every project was a success, although he would probably say something different, just ask my mom (smile).
   
He had so many talents and wonderful characteristics, but these were just a few.      


        

   

This was one of his favorite spiritual poems.  He once came across a footprints mug, and it sat on display in our house for years.  I believe that there were times when he felt like God carried him and I know that in the end God carried him home to sleep with the angels.

The Footprints Prayer 

One night I had a dream... I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord, and Across the sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; One belonged to me, and the other to the Lord. When the last scene of my life flashed before us, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that many times along the path of my life, There was only one set of footprints.

I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest  and saddest times in my life This really bothered me, and I questioned the Lord about it. "Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, You would walk with me all the way; But I have noticed that during the  most troublesome times in my life, There is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why in times when I needed you the most, you should leave me.

The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child. I love you, and I would never, never leave you during your times of trial and suffering. When you saw only one set of footprints, It was then that I carried you. 
  

He spoke of so many good friends that he knew from childhood, the military, work and other places he met along the way.  A few stood out like one in particular from the military, and one childhood friend from his home town.  He spoke of some of his co-workers who became his close friends. He mentioned friends that came for a season, but also those who lasted a lifetime. He was so touched by all of his friends and acquaintances, I hope that he found a place in their hearts and memories as well.

Jalen, Joseph, Donald III, Payton and Ella...filled his heart with such joy.  He truly enjoyed being a grandfather.  He was known as "grandpa" and "pawpaw".  Each grandchild was very special to him, and he enjoyed every moment with each one of his little angels.  If there was ever a twinkle in his eye, it was because of his precious little grandchildren. He would be incredibly proud to see how each of them have grown.   Perhaps he is watching them from heaven everyday in amazement of their wonderfullness and sweetness. 

He was a member of St.Peter's Catholic church for over 30 years.  He sang in the choir, served on committees throughout the years and cooked for several church events.  He played the drums every year for Christmas Eve Mass. His drum performance of "The Little Drummer Boy" was a treat for the congregation every year, and will echo in the hearts of many for years to come.  He made many lifelong friendships with his church family.  He felt like his church was an extension of his family.   There were people at the church who brought a smile to his face each Sunday.  He renewed his wedding vows of his 25th anniversary, celebrated his daughter's wedding, and the spiritual events of his grandchildren.  He even  became a proud Godfather.  We recently lost a very dear church member whom my dad considered a very good friend and brother in Christ.  I believe that he and my dad are laughing and joking about something right now, as they did every Sunday after church.  He was a devout and faithful Christian until the end.  One of the last things he told me was that God never leaves us, no matter how far we stray from HIM. 

He became a father for the first time in 1973 to Tiffany.  In 1974 his second daughter Nicole was born.  In 1979 his son Donald Jr. was born.  He loved each of his children and was a very proud father.  One thing I know for sure is his children meant the world to him.  My dad wanted us to know how much he loved us.  He was a great protector, provider and patriarch of our family. He instilled in us strong values and hard work ethic.  He taught us to stand tall in the face of adversity.  Every mountain we climbed, he was there.  And through the highs and lows of our llives he never abandoned us. He taught us responsibility and how to strive for excellence.  Each one of us had a special relationship with my dad.  He wanted the best for us, and also wanted us to be successful as well as happy. 

My parents met as teenagers in high school.  They continued dating during his time in the Marine Corps and her years in college.  They were married in 1972 and decided to start a family the following year. They were married for 36 years and loved each other enormously.  He could not have found a more loving wife than my mom.  She was truly the love of his life.  They were together through thick and thin.   As they grew together, the road travelled was an amazing and incredible journey.   I know that when they meet again, their journey will continue for an eternity.

On November 23, 1948 Donald Ray Neal was born.  He was blessed with two loving parents, Aaron and Alberta Neal.  He had 5 siblings that he absolutely adored and their names were James, Aaron Jr., Cleo, Dorothy and Andrew.  He spoke of two women in his life that made a big impact on him in the early years. This was his Aunt Rosie and grandmother, Rebecca whom he called "Mama".  He loved all of his neices and nephews. He loved his family and had a funny story to tell about each one.