Stephen Neal

Stephen Ray Neal, 61, passed away Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at Carolina's Medical Center following a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family. Steve was born November 23, 1952 to the late Charles E. Neal, Sr. and Laura Holland Neal of Bessemer City.

He was a 1971 graduate of Bessemer City High School and a licensed Real Estate Broker in North Carolina. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. Steve and his son Dereck spent many hours deer hunting. He was a lover of baseball and a huge supporter of Bessemer City High School athletics. He was the former owner and operator of The Pier Seafood Restaurant and 66 Food Marts in Bessemer City and Kings Mountain. He was currently working as a broker/realtor with Allen Tate Realty.

In addition to his parents Steve was preceded in death by his grandparents, James and Ethel Neal, Furman and Willie Holland, a niece, Brandi Steele and nephew, Jim Neal.

Steve is survived by his wife of forty years, Marion Harmon Neal, son Dereck Neal of Dallas, son Stephen Riddle and Frances of Bessemer City; grandchildren: Tasha, Stephanie, Brandi, and Jeremy; two great grandchildren; twin sister, Gloria Ratchford and Joe of Dallas; sisters, Brenda Lovelace and Edward of Kings Mountain, Becky Neal of Bessemer City, Roxie Miller and Brad of Stanley, Michelle Price and Anthony of Dallas; brothers: Charles (Butch) Neal Jr. and Phyllis of Gastonia, Jimmy Neal and Brenda of Bessemer City; numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Friday from 6-8 pm at Sisk-Butler Funeral & Cremation Services, Bessemer City. A memorial service for Steve will be held at First Wesleyan Church, 510 E. Alabama Avenue, Bessemer City on Saturday at 11 am with the Reverends Jerry Millwood, Wes Brown, and Elizabeth Toler.

Inurnment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Bessemer City, PO Box 23, Gastonia, NC 28053 or Grace Lutheran Church, PO Box 185, Bessemer City, NC 28016.