Ronald David Neal, 61 of Church Hill, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 25, 2010 at his residence following a long illness. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Ron had lived in Church Hill since 2003. He was retired from the City of Detroit Fire Department where he worked as a paramedic for many years. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the Vietnam War as a sharpshooter where he received the National defense service Medal. He became a Christian as a young man and was a member of Grace Missionary Baptist Church in Michigan. He loved playing guitar and was a member of several popular bands in the Detroit area. At home, for friends and family, he loved singing the songs of Jimmy Buffett, John Pryne, Jim Croche and Gordon Lightfoot. He loved riding motorcycles and reading mystery thrillers. He gathered with friends often, especially those who enjoyed his steady flow of jokes and stories. He moved to Virginia to care for his mother after retiring. Ron was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Reba Willis Neal; maternal grandparents, Bryan and Bonnie Willis; paternal grandparents, Joseph and Mattie Lay Neal and a brother, Daniel Wayne Neal.

Ron is survived by his daughter, Erin Neal; sons, Alex Neal and Andrew Neal all of Detroit; step-son, Ryan Lethonen of Michigan; his companion, Sandra Lane of Church Hill; sisters, Carol VanLandingham and husband David of Mobile, AL and Kim Mays and husband Ben of Castlewood, VA; uncle and aunt, Ralph and Adelean Willis of Big Stone Gap, VA; niece, Brandi Cole Wright and husband Zachary; great nephews, William and Ethan Wright of Midlothian, VA

A military graveside service will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday at Mountain Home National Cemetery with the Hawkins County Color Guard and the TN National Guard conducting the rites. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the cemetery at 10:55 a.m.

Carter Trent Funeral Home, Church Hill is serving the Neal family