James Ruben "J.R." Neal, Sr.

 James R. "J.R." Neal, Sr., 79, resident of the Ripley Community, retired business owner and United States National Guard Veteran, passed away Saturday morning July 14, 2018 at his daughter's resident in Michie, Tennessee following a brief illness.
  Funeral Services honoring the life of Mr. Neal will be at 2 PM Monday July 16 in The Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home with Bro. George Kyle of Selmer, TN officiating. Personal remarks will be given by Randy Standefer and John Larsen. Burial will follow at Tippah Memorial Gardens in Ripley.
  Mr. Neal was born March 5, 1939 in Houlka, MS and was the son of the late Barron and Modera Weaver Neal. He received his education in the Houston Public School System in Chickasaw County. Mr. Neal was married September 7, 1955 to his beloved wife, the former Faye Davis, who preceded him in death on February 3, 1999.
  In 1976, Mr. and Mrs. Neal moved with their family to Ripley where they owned and operated Mid-South Graphics until his retirement in 2007.
  Mr. Neal will be remembered by many Tippah County residents as the local printer that was operated by the Neal family serving the entire area with quality commercial printing for individuals and businesses. A people person who enjoyed the friendships of many, Mr. Neal found pleasure in television sports that included football and wrestling. His other interests included cards, being an Ole Miss Sports fan, Eggbowl fan and the humor he enjoyed with family and friends.
  A Christian, Mr. Neal was a member of the Trinity Baptist Church in Michie, TN where he developed new friends after moving to Tennessee to be near his daughter three years ago.
  Visitation will continue Monday at The Ripley Funeral Home.
  Those left to treasure his memory include his daughter, Cindy Bates (Milton) of Michie, TN, his son, James R. "Chip" Neal, Jr. (Tawana) of Ripley, a sister, Norma Rae Hurst of Tupelo, two brothers, Johnny Neal (Mary Lois) of New Albany and Bobby Neal (Grace) of Taylorsville, five grandchildren, Todd Neal (Kimberly Burton), Tonya Swinford (Bobby Storey), Josh Neal, Tina Richardson (Keith) and Tiffany Wilbanks (Justin) and thirteen great grandchildren.
  He was also preceded in death by a son, Chuck Neal and a great granddaughter, Olivia Wilbanks.
  The family request that memorials be directed to the Mississippi Kidney Foundation, 3000 Old Canton, Ste. 110, Jackson, MS 39216

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