Funeral services for James “Smooth” Doyle Neal, 74 of Jonesville, LA were held at Oak Grove Free Methodist Church in Jonesville, LA at 10AM on Saturday, December 9, 2023, with Bro. Aaron Jolly officiating. Interment followed at Heard Cemetery in Manifest, LA under the direction of Young’s Funeral Home. Visitation was held at Oak Grove Free Methodist Church from 5PM until, on Friday, December 8.
Smooth was born on Monday, November 21, 1949, in Jonesville, LA and passed away Thursday, December 07, 2023, in Natchez, MS. He was a lifelong resident of Jonesville and was the definition of a southern man. Smooth’s legacy is woven through the laughter of his grandchildren, for whom he was an endless source of love and wisdom.
A seasoned outdoorsman, he found solace in the woods, where the thrill of hunting deer and turkeys resonated with his soul. The Aimwell hills were not just a backdrop but a sacred haven, where he shared countless camping adventures with family and friends. Smooth’s spirit, eternally tied to the rustling leaves and starlit nights, will forever linger in the cherished memories of those he leaves behind.
He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Biela Neal, infant daughter, Karen Gayle Neal, brother, Morris “Sonny Boy” Neal, and his sisters, Jaunice McCarthy and Gloria Luttrell.
Those left to cherish James’ memory are his wife, Glenda Ford Neal, sons, James Michael Neal, Gary Neal (Kala), and Tim Neal (Laine), grandchildren, Kalip Matthew, Lessie Claire, Sarah and Austin, brothers, Edward Neal and David Wayne Neal, sisters, Aldis Boone and Geraldine Blackwell, and a host of nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Columns Nursing Home for taking special care of him while he was there.
Those honoring Smooth as pallbearers were Casey Harrell, Justin Neal, Bryant Smith, Dylan Smith, Aub. Ford, and Winston “JR” Neal.
Honorary Pallbearers were the members of Stokes Creek Hunting Club.