Robert E. (Bob) Neal, 57, of Roswell, Georgia, passed away suddenly from heart failure on Saturday, September 9, 2017. Bob was born on January 1, 1960, the first baby of the year in the state of Maine. He was a self-employed construction estimator and was actively involved in a number of churches throughout his life in many areas of ministry, most notably music and children’s ministries. 

The irony of his cause of death is not lost on those he leaves behind, as Bob was known to all with whom he came in contact to have a grateful, cheerful, faithful, generous, and kind servant’s heart. A beloved father, he taught his sons the value of integrity and dedication in all facets of life. Married to his best friend and the love of his life for 35 years, he modeled how to lead and cherish a spouse with grace, patience, faithfulness—and a sense of humor. 

Bob is survived by his wife, Diane Neal; his son and daughter-in-law, Bert & Heidi Neal, and unborn grandson (due Feb. 1, 2018); his son, Brian Neal; his sister, Carol Hall (John), and brothers, Jim Neal (Sherry) and Clark Neal (Diane); his mother, Joye Neal; and his father, Jim Neal (Ruth). 

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Sandy Springs, Georgia. The family will receive friends at a lunch fellowship following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to any of the following: 

The Gideons International, www2.gideons.org/donate

International Mission Board, www.imb.org/give

Mount Vernon Baptist Church, 850 Mt Vernon Hwy NW, Atlanta, GA 30327