Earl McNeal, age 86, of Hoschton passed away Wednesday, February 5, 2020. Earl was born on June 19, 1933 to Lena McNeal Rouse. Earl graduated from Braselton High School, where he was first string on the 1951 state championship basketball team. Earl was also a U.S. Army veteran. Earl enjoyed auctions, fishing, watching the Atlanta Braves, and loved his family. Survivors include daughters Debbie McNeal of Hoschton, Vicki Dockery and husband Randy of Flowery Branch; grandchildren Misti DeVere and husband Michael of Gainesville, Angie Chaffin and husband Rob of North Carolina, Rick Griffin and wife EC of Flowery Branch; great grandchildren Josh, Justin, Mia, Katie, Ana, Drew; great great grandchildren Trey, Melody. Numerous nieces and nephews and a special sister-in-law Laverne Richardson Freeman. Earl is preceded in death by his wife of 62 years Mildred McNeal, his mother, brother James Rouse and a special brother-in-law Ralph Richardson. Funeral service will be held at Lawson Funeral Home Chapel Saturday, 11:00 AM, February 8, 2020. Brian Cronier will be officiating . Interment will be at Walnut Fork Baptist Church Cemetery with military honors, 557 GA-60, Hoschton, GA 30548. The family will receive friends Friday, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, February 7, 2020 at Lawson Funeral Home, 4532 Hwy 53, Hoschton, GA 30548, www.lawsonfunerahome.org, 706-654-0966.
So sorry to hear of his passing but he was a special person. God bless you and keep you in his peace through the coming days
Thank you for your kind words.
EARL McNeal was a lifelong friend of mine and classmate at Braselton High School in Georgia. Earl was also a fellow member of our state championship basketball team in 1951. We were the starting guards on that fabulous team that went to Macon in 1951 and won four straight games and came home as state champs. Earl and I, as young boys, would often go home on the school bus with one another to spend the night at each others homes and as we became older would run around together. I had a 1936 Ford and was the only kid in school with a car so we would also double date many times through our junior and senior years of high school. I moved to the Washington D.C. area after graduating from BHS and after getting married and starting a family later was elected to the Senate of Virginia. On one occasion Earl and Mildred and his brother in law, Ralph Richardson and wife paid me a visit and I had the pleasure of showing them the sights of Washington. Every time through the years when I returned to Georgia I would see Earl at school reunions or at the old Braselton Elementary School building where he held his auctions. Earl McNeal was a great guy–rest in peace my friend.
Thank you for the kind words. I remember pop telling stories about your school days and the trip he made to see you.
Janice was one of my best friends throughout her years of employment with the Government and continuing afterwards. Her kindness, selflessness, humor, and intelligence remain at the forefront of every memory I have of time I spent with this wonderful person. May Gene, Dina, David, and sisters be comforted by knowing what I know – that many people loved her dearly. Rest in peace, dear friend.
Debbie and Vicki, my heart goes out to you. I know the pain of having both parents gone from this world. We can have peace, however, in knowing we will see them again. I don’t think I’ve been to the Lawson Funeral Home website before, but I ended up here when I learned of Wilburn Healan’s passing; and then I saw that your daddy also had passed away. Both of you were always wonderful friends to me as well as great support when we worked together – love you both and your families. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you Linda. You have always been a good friend to me. Thanks for the kind words and yes we will see them again. Love you