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TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE JAMES MELVIN "JIMMY" NEAL OF KERSHAW AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were deeply saddened by the passing of the Honorable James Melvin "Jimmy" Neal of Kershaw on August 26, 2020, at the venerable age of seventy-seven; and
Whereas, born in Lancaster on April 30, 1943, he was the son of the late James Melvin Neal and Annie Mae Horton Neal Smith and stepson of the late William Bryant Smith. In preparation for his life's work, Jimmy received his bachelor's degree in 1965 from Clemson University and earned his master's degree in education from Winthrop College in 1978; and
Whereas, as a young man, Jimmy loved to play sports. For most of his life, he could be found at Andrew Jackson Stadium on Friday nights, Death Valley on Saturday, and Center Grove Baptist Church on Sunday. He also looked forward to his weekly walking-club dates with friends. However, Jimmy's greatest joy came from time spent with his beloved family and from sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ; and
Whereas, the first head football coach at Andrew Jackson High School, and ultimately principal of that same institution, Mr. Neal retired in 1995 from the Lancaster County School District after serving over thirty years as a respected teacher and principal; and
Whereas, Jimmy Neal was a community-minded man and took any opportunity to serve his fellow citizens, as when he served on the Lancaster County Election Commission and Lancaster County Literacy Council. Another opportunity led him to the State House, where he proudly represented Lancaster County House District 44, serving fourteen years in the South Carolina House of Representatives, from which he retired in 2012; and
Whereas, for his significant contributions to education, he was inducted into the Lancaster County Education Hall of Fame in 2006, and for his outstanding service in the House of Representatives, he was named Emergency Medical Services Legislator of the Year in 2007; and
Whereas, preceded in death by his dear wife, Harriett Hawkins Neal, and a granddaughter, Emily Elizabeth Neal, Jimmy Neal leaves to cherish his memory his sons, Bryant (Beth Hinson) Neal of Kershaw and Scott (Jody Gibson) Neal of Camden; five grandchildren, Laura Neal (Reece) Taylor, Blythe Neal, Bry Neal, Sloane Neal, and Ava Neal; a great-granddaughter, Annie Martin Taylor; and a special friend, Sara Lou Hinson; and
Whereas, the people of South Carolina were made better by the influence of Jimmy Neal and will greatly miss his impactful presence. His was a life well lived. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express profound sorrow upon the passing of the Honorable James Melvin "Jimmy" Neal of Kershaw and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Bryant Neal for the family.
This web page was last updated on September 15, 2020 at 1:09 PM