George Walter Neal, 86, of Milton, husband of 60 years to Doris Fetty Neal entered into the Kingdom of Heaven on Thursday, March 14, 2013. After many months of illness, he passed away peacefully at home. He was born September 23, 1926 to Thomas B. & Virgie Bias Neal and was preceded in death by brothers Paul Neal & Charles Neal, a sister Anna Jean Neal and a loving son-in-law Stephen B. Rule. Mr. Neal was retired from Union Carbide, Institute Plant, having worked as a chemical analyst for 37 years. He was an active member of Church in the Valley. He celebrated his 62nd year as a proud member of Lebanon Lodge #68 A.F. & A.M. and was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason of Huntington, WV. As a member of Milton Chapter #149 O.E.S., he served in many positions including Past Patron. He was devoted to many charitable efforts as a Kentucky Colonel, a Board member of ECCHO and, until the time of his death, served as an active member of the Green Acres Board. George was a devoted and loving family man who supported extended family even as a young boy. He spoke fondly of his years as a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse while pursuing a teaching degree at Marshall University. His proudest moment was in achieving his life-long educational dream of graduation from Marshall University with a Bachelor of Arts Regency Degree at the age of 81. George was an extraordinary man. He was an avid reader who loved life and enjoyed making people laugh. He often said, “There’s no such thing as having too many friends.” He was best known for his genuine smile, charismatic personality, and creative sense of humor. He entertained and joked with everyone he encountered even through his final days of failing health. In addition to being survived by his loving wife Doris, he leaves behind his devoted children and grandchildren who gave him great joy: daughters Sheila Rule of Milton, Karen Glover and husband Jack of McGaheysville, VA and son Jeffrey Neal of Milton; grandchildren Chelsea Day Sweeney and husband John of New York City, Hayley Devon Day of Charlottesville, VA and Wesley and Derek Neal of Culloden, WV. Three sisters, Virginia Martin and Freda Neal of Huntington, and Irene Searls of Ravenswood, WV, also survive him. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him including a host of loving in-laws, nieces, nephews and many dear friends. Visitation will be Saturday from 5 to 8pm at Heck Funeral Home in Milton. Eastern Star services will be held at 7:30pm. Dr. Stan Maynard, Joe Meadows & Pastor Ron Page will conduct funeral services at 2pm Sunday at the Church in the Valley, Milton, WV. Visitation at the church will be from 1 to 2pm. Graveside services will follow immediately and be conducted by members of Lebanon Lodge #68 A.F. & A.M. at the Neal Cemetery on Johns Creek Road in Milton. Roger Casey will pay special tribute to George by playing the bagpipes. In lieu of flowers, his preference would be donations to ECCHO serving the needy of Eastern Cabell County and the Church in the Valley.