Sam A. Neal

SAM AZIEL NEAL A celebration of life for Sam A. Neal, 92, of Davis, Oklahoma will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, April 6 2023 at Central Church in Sulphur, Oklahoma with Thomas Thompson officiating. Sam passed from this life Thursday, March 30 in his home with his children and his Hospice nurse (Crystal), at his bedside. Sam A, was born March 5, 1931, in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, the son of Sherd A and Oda (Satterwhite) Neal. Sam was the 4th of 7 children. Sam’s mother died after the birth of his youngest sister and Floy Wilson became his stepmother when he was 8 years old. Sam attended school in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma where he excelled in music and received multiple superior ratings at state level on his Baritone. Upon graduation from HS, Sam was granted a 4- year music scholarship to East Central University (formerly East Central State College) in Ada, Oklahoma. He graduated from ECU with honors and started his teaching career as a Band Director in Wayne, Oklahoma where he met his wife. Sam started bands and directed bands all over Oklahoma. Everywhere he went, past band students would remember him and his love of music. He later returned to ECU and obtained his master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling. Sam was a gifted musician and vocalist, singing at weddings and funeral throughout his life. He enjoyed leading son services at church; he was a Bible teacher for many years and a minister for the Lavern Church of Christ in Lavern, Oklahoma. Sam was a member of Central Church, Fellowship of Believers in Sulphur, Oklahoma upon his death. Sam received his plumbing contractor’s license in the State of Oklahoma in the early 1970’s and started his own company “Neal Plumbing”. He was known to plumb a few houses in return for pot roasts and pies when someone could not afford to pay monetarily. He continued his business for 20 years before he retired. On July 6, 1954, Sam married Carolyn Lollar in Purcell, Oklahoma. They had four children and were married 64 years until her death in 2018. Sam was a devoted husband and father. Before becoming ill, Sam could do almost anything-the family has a saying- “Where there’s a Neal, there’s a way”. His favorite pastimes were camping and traveling with Carolyn, fishing with his sons, and having his grandchildren visit. During his last few years, his very favorite thing to do was going for rides with his devoted son-in-law, Richard McCaulla. He would wait at the door for Richard to come get him for his rides; how he loved to ride down through Doughtery and visit his good buddy, Steve Ratchford, at the farm. Sam is survived by: One daughter: Shelley McCaulla and husband Richard of Davis, Oklahoma Two sons: Jonathan Neal and wife Glenene of Wynnewood, Oklahoma David Neal and wife Kim of Wilson, Oklahoma One sister: Sue Beggs of Norman, Oklahoma Known as ‘Papa’ to seven grandchildren; ‘Great-Papa’ to 6 great grandchildren; ‘Uncle Sam’ to many, many nieces, and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly. Sam will be remembered as a hard-working Christian man who taught his family and friends, the unforgettable lessons of God’s love, perseverance and forgiveness. He was always ‘The Rock’ of the family. Because of his life lessons, integrity and steadfastness, his family and friends can rejoice in the fact that he is now home with his creator. Sam was preceded in death by: One son: Richard (Dicky) Neal Three brothers: Frank, Fred, and Joe Neal Two sisters: Aleva Farmer and Shirley Carlton Half Sister: Iris Owen Stepsister: Joyce Harris Sam will be buried beside his wife, Carolyn June Neal in Elmore City Cemetery, under the direction of Wooster Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.woosterfuneralhomes.com

Sam A. Neal

March 5, 1931 - March 30, 2023