Mr. Robert Harold Neal, age 84, of Toccoa passed away Thursday, August 7, 2025 at his home, surronded by his family.

Robert was born on October 5, 1940 in Banks County, GA, to Ruth Carson Neal and William Harold Neal.  The family moved to Stephens County soon thereafter, where he lived his entire life.  He graduated from Toccoa High School.  Robert loved sports and participated in several during his high school career.  Football was his favorite, and he was quarterback his senior year.  His love of sports continued throughout his life.  Although he watched all sports, football and NASCAR were favorites.  He was a lifelong fan of Georgia Tech and the Green Bay Packers.  He never missed a Super Bowl.

Robert was proud to be a Veteran of the US Navy.  He was stationed on a destroyer and was at Quantanamo Bay, Cuba during the Bay of Pigs.  After his discharge, he worked many years at Brady Welding and Easy Bore, Inc. before establishing his own shop, Quality Welding.  He was a welder and metal fabricator.

Family members include his wife of 62 years, Shirley McCollum Neal; daughter, Lakie Meeks (Mike); grandchildren,  Logan Meeks and Colton Meeks; son, Shannon Neal (Amy Moran) and their children, Evan Freeman-Moran and Kurt Freeman-Moran; son, Morgan Neal (Amber McDonald) and their children, Trey  Hufstetler and Destiny Powell.  Robert was the last member of his immediate family.  In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by sisters-in-law, Jody Neal of Murfreesboro, TN, Janice Neal of Westminster, SC, and Vickey Ragsdale of Toccoa, GA; brother-in-law Royce Carter of Toccoa; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Bill Neal, Fred Neal, Milton Neal; sister, Ann Carter; mother-in-law, Modena Henson; father-in-law, Clarence McCollum; brothers-in-law, Robert McCollum, Charles McCollum, Terry Ragsdale and Bill Jamieson; and sisters-in-law, Jeanette Jamieson, Kathy McCollum and Darlene McCollum.

Robert was a Christian and loved the Lord.  He grew up in the 1st Methodist Church but after marriage joined Rock Creek Baptist Church with his wife, Shirley.  He had a great sense of humor and was always ready to lend a helping hand to others.

Special thanks to Dr. Coan and staff at Amedisys Hospice for their excellent care.  Also special thanks to Charles, Janna, Erin, Karen, Georgia and Christopher.

The family will receive friends at the mortuary from 12pm until the service hour Wednesday, August 13, 2025.

Funeral Services will be held from the Chapel of Whitlock Mortuary at two o'clock Wednesday, August 13, 2025 with the Rev. Leon Miller officiating.

Entombment will follow at Roselane Mausoleum.

The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers:  John Carter, James Simmons, Dennis Thomason, Tim Whisnant, Paul Whitlock and William Whitlock.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Open Arms Clinic at 109 Big A Road, Toccoa, GA, or to Amedisys Hospice at 53 Rock Road,

Toccoa, GA.

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers and sign the online guest book at www.whitlockmortuary.net.

Whitlock Mortuary, Funerals and Cremations is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Robert Harold Neal.