Wally Arthur Mcneal

Mr. Wally Arthur (W. A.) (Dub) McNeal, age 85, of Hazlehurst, died Thursday, July 11, 2024 at The Landings in Douglas, GA after an extended 61day illness.

Mr. McNeal was born March 6, 1939 in Jeff Davis County. He is preceded in death by the love of his life, Ruth Walters McNeal of 62 years of marriage, his parents, Arthur Henry McNeal and Mary Sellers McNeal, and a brother, Ralph “Pete” McNeal.

Mr. McNeal graduated from Jeff Davis High in 1956 and South Georgia Trade and Vocational School in Americus on June 23, 1959 as an automotive mechanic. After promising his loving wife a nice home after their wedding in 1959, Mr. McNeal worked non-stop running another man’s business before renting a building from Mr. Joe Fraiser and opening the Texaco station where the Veteran’s Memorial now stands today. As all hometown business owners know, you own it, you work it or lose it. Mr. McNeal again worked non-stop until he opened McNeal Motor Co. on Highway 341 in the fall of 1967 selling cars. This shy, timid man became an outgoing talkative Dodge, Chrysler, Plymouth, and Jeep Dealer for 39 years.

Along with owning and running the family business, Mr. McNeal’s hobbies included hunting, fishing, and working in the yard with his fruit trees and various flowers. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church of Hazlehurst where he was affectionately called the “Candy Man”. He eagerly handed out candy to children and visitors each Sunday.

Survivors include his wife of 64 days, Mrs. Linda Stone Smith McNeal of Hazlehurst; son and daughter-in-law, Doug and Mary McNeal of Hazlehurst; brother,  Johnny McNeal (JoAnn) of Hazlehurst; sister, Wilma McNeal Clark (Ray) of Acworth, GA; three grandchildren, Matthew McNeal (Chasity) of Statesboro, Daniel McNeal (Kristen) of Lumber City, Melanie McNeal Varnadore (Mark) of Baxley; five great grandchildren, Cooper McNeal, Jaxson McNeal, Ryleigh Varnadore, Gracie McNeal, Addilyn Varnadore; and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at 1pm at First Baptist Church Hazlehurst with Rev. Brad Waters and Rev. Robert Wigley officiating.

Interment will follow in the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Philip Worthington officiating.

Active Pallbearers will be Matthew McNeal, Daniel McNeal, Mark Varnadore, Rex McNeal, Danny McNeal, and Tim McNeal.

Honorary Pallbearers will be the Men’s 2 Sunday School Class.

Visitation will be held Monday July 15, 2024 from 6pm to 8pm at First Baptist Church Hazlehurst.

Flowers will be accepted, or contribution can be made to First Baptist Church Hazlehurst Building Fund.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.