Lloyd Gilbert "Gil" Neal

Mr. Lloyd Gilbert “Gil” Neal, age 87, of Hoschton, GA, passed away peacefully at his home on August 11, 2023. Mary Jac, his devoted wife and the love of his life for 65 years, was at his side holding his hand.

Mr. Neal was born August 3, 1936 to the late Lloyd Gilbert (Sr.) and Bess Hampton Neal in Madison, Indiana. He is survived by his wife Mary Jacqueline Neal of Hoschton, GA; children, Mary Elizabeth Neal (Peter Poulos) of San Diego, CA; Jim Neal of Weatherford, TX; Susan Neal Mueller (Doug) of Phoenix, AZ; Ann Neal Tanner (Darrell) of Braselton, GA, grandchildren Jackie Poulos, Michael Poulos, Adam Pearson, Lauren Mueller, Scott Mueller, Jeffrey Tanner, Sarah Tanner.

Gil met Mary Jac Curry in June, 1957; they were married on Dec. 30, 1957. He graduated from Northwestern University, Medill School of Journalism in 1958, then served in the United States Air Force Reserves for six years. Gil was a third generation newspaper man starting his career with the family newspaper, The Madison Courier. Gil then worked for the Louisville Courier-Journal and the Arizona Republic.  After receiving his Masters Degree in Journalism from the University of Arizona, he found his calling as a journalism professor at Central Washington University in Washington State.

Gil and Mary Jac moved to Hoschton from the Pacific Northwest in 2011 to be closer to family and see a little more sunshine.  Above all, Gil loved his family.  He was a gifted pianist and loved jazz music.  He was an ardent sports fan and followed baseball, football and basketball.  He particularly enjoyed watching the Braves on TV this summer.  Gil was known for his sense of humor, dry wit, and easy going personality.  He will be greatly missed, but we are blessed by the special place he will always hold in our hearts.

Memorial Services will be September 15, at 2:00 p.m. at Hamilton Mill United Methodist Church in Dacula.  Pastor Jason Mincey will officiate.  The family will receive friends at a reception following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HMUMC Food Pantry, 1450 Pine Rd., Dacula, GA 30019; Hospice of Northeast Georgia, 2150 Limestone Parkway, Gainesville, GA 30501;  Help In Healing Home Foundation,Inc -The Village at Mayo Clinic, 5811E. MayoBlvd. Phoenix, AZ  85054.

Memorial Park South Funeral Home, 4121 Falcon Parkway, Flowery Branch, G