William Harry Neal

William H. Neal, Jr. 90, of Southlake, TX passed away Tuesday, June 9, 2015. He was born on May 29, 1925 in St. Louis, MO, son of the late William and Mabel Neal. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and retired as President of Western Kentucky Gas in 1984. He was an active member, Elder and Trustee at First Presbyterian Church in Owensboro. He served as leader in numerous organizations including past President of the Kentucky State Chamber of Commerce, past Chairman of the Kentucky Economic Development Commission, past Chairman and among founders of Leadership Owensboro, past President of Harrodsburg and Campbellsville Jaycees, past Chairman of Southern Gas Association.
He also served on a number of boards including Owensboro-Daviess County Industrial Foundation, Field Packing Company, Brescia College, Owensboro Family Y, Salvation Army, Junior Achievement, Kentucky Development Finance Authority, advisory board of Liberty Mutual Insurance, and board member and co-founder of Kentucky Council on Economic Education. In 1960, he was selected as one of Kentucky three Outstanding Young Men. In 1971, he received the Daviess County Bar Association's "Liberty Bell" award. In 1985, he was awarded Honorary Life Membership to the Southern Gas Association, was honored as "Man of the Year" by March of Dimes and was featured on Kentucky Educational Television's "Distinguished Kentuckian" series. He was a Mason and Shriner. He played Pro Baseball for 2 years after graduating from University of Evansville where he was captain of the baseball and basketball teams and President of his Fraternity. One of his greatest joys was coaching The Western Kentucky Gas Little League Baseball Team for 5 years. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Doris Snarr and Lois Schaller.
Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Ferry Anne Neal; one son, David (Kathy) Neal of McLean, VA.; two daughters, Diane (Jim) Bacus of Gainesville, FL. and Karen (Gary) Smith of Southlake, TX; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory on Thursday, June 18, 2015 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM. A time of sharing of memories of Mr. Neal will be held at 5:00 P.M. during the visitation. The funeral service will be conducted privately for immediate family.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Cliff Hagan Boys and Girls Club of Owensboro, 3415 Buckland Sq., Owensboro, KY 42301. Online condolences may be placed at www.glennfuneralhome.com.