HICKORY, N.C. - Arlie “Bill” William Neal Jr., 65, of Hickory, passed away on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at his residence.

He was born December 11, 1958 in Sullivan County, Tenn. to the late Arlie William Neal Sr. and Helen Louise Worley Neal. Bill was a member of Unity Baptist Church in Hickory and retired from Royal King Seating as a truck driver. He loved the Lord and enjoyed witnessing to others. Bill also loved his family and friends and would do anything to help a person in need without hesitation. He was a foster parent for many years and was looked at as a dad by many.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, uncles, aunts, and a special cousin, Darlene.

Those left to cherish his memory is his wife of 42 years Renee Smith Neal of the home; sons John Wesley Neal of Hickory, Avery William Neal of Hickory; daughters Tonya Renee Lambert of Drexel, Kimberly Dellinger and husband Cheyenne of Valdese, Kelly Aldridge and husband Charles of Vale, Felicia Neal of Hickory, Kandice Moretz of Hickory, Kayla Moretz of Hickory, Mackenzie Harmon of Hickory; brother Jeff Neal and wife Christine of Lenoir; sisters Katey Smith of Lawndale, Amy Neal of Lawndale; brother-in-law Steve Smith of Hickory; grandchildren Alexis Straight, Krista Straight, Cherokee Aldridge, and Noah William Neal.

A service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 12 p.m. in the Chapel of Bennett Funeral Service, 7878 NC Hwy 16, Newton. Rev. Ted Propst and Rev. Shawn Hurrie will officiate. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 11-11:45 a.m. at Bennett Funeral Service. A graveside service will follow at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery in Lawndale. Those serving as pallbearers will be Charles Aldridge, Cheyenne Dellinger, Roger Calloway, Steve Humphreys, Davy Beal, and James Fincannon.

Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123

Condolences may be sent to the Neal family at www.bennettfuneralservice.com

Bennett Funeral Service of Newton, N.C. is serving the Neal family.