William Andrew Neal

Mr. William Andrew "W.A." Neal, 72, a resident of Luverne, Alabama, passed away peacefully at Baptist Medical Center South on Monday, January 9th, 2023. Funeral services for W.A. will be held at 11 AM on Friday, January 13th, at South Luverne Baptist Church with Rev. Harry Driggers and Rev. Justin Jacobs officiating. Interment will follow in Luverne Emmaus Cemetery with Turners Funeral Home of Luverne directing. The family will receive friends at the church on Thursday, January 12th, from 6 - 8 PM.

W.A. did not receive an easy start in life, but he spent over 70 years making sure he took advantage of every opportunity available to him to create a meaningful and lasting legacy during his lifetime. He was a fixture in his community as he wore many hats over the years. He started out as an Alabama state trooper, dedicating over 25 years to helping make his home a better place for all its citizens. After his retirement, he still felt the call to serve and therefore spent many years with the Luverne Police Department and worked as the Building Inspector for the City of Luverne. His drive to serve was indefatigable throughout his life though. He was proud of the 50 years he served with the Luverne Volunteer Fire Department as he helped people through one of the worst times of their lives. His leadership skills were well-respected as he served as the president of the Crenshaw County Volunteer Fire Department, as well as a brief stint as the president of Alabama Association of Volunteer Fire Departments. He deserves much of the credit for the many state and federal grants Luverne and Crenshaw County received as he was determined to leave his community a better place for everyone.

W.A. was a force to be reckoned with, on that everyone could agree. He was driven to make sure everything he did was the very best. If you wanted something done right the first time, you had best call W.A.! He could always be counted on to volunteer his time and energy to the Luverne High School Quarterback Club throughout his lifetime. He was also an active member of South Luverne Baptist Church, where they depended on him to make sure everything ran like clockwork when it came to events there. You likely couldn't find a bigger supporter of the Alabama Crimson Tide. He was a season ticket holder for most of his adult life, and loved taking his family to cheer on their beloved Crimson Tide on Saturdays during the Fall. Above all, however, W.A. was a devoted husband, father, Grandpa, and great-grandfather. He had no greater treasure than his family and spent so much of his life taking care of them to the very best of his ability. He has had a good, full life, but he will still be missed more than words can possibly express.

W.A. was preceded in death by his parents, Bernice J. Neal & Betty Schroeder. He is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Shirley West Neal; children, Michelle (Bill) Dunn, Carey Neal (Dakus Sankey), and Jeremy Messick; grandchildren, Austin Bryant, Mikayla Bryant, Dustin Reaves, Trey Bryant, Anna Marie Reaves, Eli Messick, Emma Sankey, Jackson Dunn, Tanner Dunn, and Bradley Dunn; great-grandchild, Briar Lanham; and siblings, Beverly Elliott and Thomas (Julia) Neal.

The Luverne Volunteer Fire Department and the Alabama State Trooper Honor Guard will serve as pallbearers.