Dexter Neal 80th Birthday Celebration

The celebration began with the Neal Family Reunion on Friday October 2, 2015 at the Omni Hotel Dallas. Family came from California, Arizona and various parts of Texas to attend. The Birthday Brunch took place Saturday October 3, 2015 at Marsalis Avenue Church of Christ with 150 friends and family in attendance. The theme of the celebration was “The Man I Know”. Tributes were given from his family, church members and friends. A special video commemorating his wonderful life was also presented.

Dexter was born in Kilgore, Texas to Beulah Rossum Neal & Grady Neal Sr. on Sept. 30, 1935 with two brothers & three sisters. Dexter married Cleal Marie Woods and from this union have three children, and six grandchildren. Dexter served in the US Army for 8 years and traveled the world. Dexter has had many jobs over the years, including farming with his Dad, and working nights at Tyler Pipe while attending college during the day. After military he worked as a US Postal Mail Carrier, Air Traffic Controller & Defense Contracts Supervisor at Texas Instruments then retired from Raytheon.

After retirement Dexter did contract work for Bell Helicopter and The Dallas Appraisal Board.

Dexter united with Corinth Church of Christ at 12 years old. At 17 Dexter started teaching Sunday School and has continued teaching even today. Dexter has been the church Treasurer, Secretary, Senior Citizen Leader, coordinated blood drives, member of Care Givers Committee, Sunshine Visitation Ministry, and  Under Sheppard for 6 yrs.

One of Dexter’s favorite hobbies is bowling, where he has won various tournaments & trophies, and was also seen on TV’s “Bowling for Dollars” with Verne Lundquist. Dexter is still active, and on most Friday nights you can catch him playing a mean game of dominos and cards with family and friends.