Erdman Franklin Neal, 92, born and raised in Mount Airy, passed away on Monday, May 18, 2015 at his home.

Erdman served in the Pacific as a sergeant in the Army during WWII and was also a retiree from the NCDOT. He was a truly incredible and loving man, he shared his stories with many he knew, and cared deeply for his family and friends, always giving them a call or joining them for a meal.

Erdman's humor was shown when he would kindly walk up to a lady and ask if she had a kiss that day, they would chuckle as he would pull out a chocolate kiss, handing it to her. He left everyone with a smile and brighter day. If you were to ask him how he was doing, he would reply with a grin, "I was better, but I was a whole lot younger."

Erdman Neal, a cheerful man, couldn't help but share his happiness with the world, and that he did successfully.

Erdman is survived by his brother, Joe Bill Neal, his sister, Katherine Hicks, his son, Gary Neal and his wife Stella Neal, along with their children, Josh, Jay (Anna), Natalee, Isabella, Sebastian, Adriana, and Viviana. Also his son Phil Neal, his wife Martha, and children, Jay, Mary, and Jacob.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Neal was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie Eloise Shelor Neal, sisters, Avis Rogers, Jackie Monday, Mildred Deatheridge, and June Cooke; brothers, Bernard Neal, Tom Neal, Ervin Neal, and Teddy Neal.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 22, 2015 at 2:30 PM at Haymore Memorial Baptist Church in Mount Airy with the Rev. Robert McCrary officiating. Entombment will follow in Skyline Memory Gardens Mausoleum with full military honors conducted by VFW Memorial Honor Guard Post 2019 of Mount Airy and Post 9436 of Pilot Mountain.

The family will receive friends Thursday night from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 401 Technology Lane, Suite 200, Mount Airy, NC 27030.

Mount Airy News (NC) ~ Wednesday, May 20, 2015.