Michael "Mike" Robert Neal

Michael "Mike" Robert Neal, age 78 of Ferrum went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 10, 2025 at home surrounded by his family.

He was born on December 24, 1946, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri to James and Yvonne Neal, and had five siblings. After graduating high school, he attended Southeast Missouri State University for two years. He then enlisted in the Navy during the Vietnam conflict and served as a radio operator in an anti-submarine aircraft. He met his wife Ruth when stationed in Maryland. After they married, they raised their family in Manassas, Virginia. He worked in the telecommunications field in the Washington, D.C. area until they retired to Ferrum.

Mike was especially known for his quick wit and sense of humor, his green thumb, and his ability to fix just about anything. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, general repairs, and his classic El Camino. He had a passion for feeding the hungry in southwestern Virginia and felt a call to serve others at Heavenly Manna and Stepping Stones.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Pat Neal; sister, Susan Pekios; and son, Jason Neal.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Ruth A. Neal; daughters, Jennifer Powell (Jason) and Rachel Villa (Jeffrey); brothers, James Neal, Kevin Neal (Edith) and Shawn Neal; and grandchildren, Marina, Isaac, Autumn, Joseph, Hannah, Hallie, and Ethan Powell and Lydia Villa.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 15, 2025 at Franklin Heights Church, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Mountain View Memorial Park, Boones Mill.

In lieu of flowers, monetary donations may be made to Heavenly Manna food pantry in Rocky Mount, Virginia. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.