Willard Neal

Willard Andrew “Buddy” Neal, 87, of Moberly passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at his home. Buddy was born August 20, 1931 in Moberly, MO to William A. Neal and Gracie Lee Crutchfield Neal. On June 16, 1951 he married Mona Mae Rodgers in Moberly, MO and they spent many wonderful years together. Buddy was a truck driver for over 60 years and earned a 3 million-mile safe driving award. He could boast that he had driven through every state except North Dakota. Buddy liked to fish when he was younger. He always enjoyed truck driving. When he wasn’t working he could be found visiting with other truckers and telling truck driving stories. More than anything he loved spending time with his family, especially all his grandchildren. Buddy is preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Mona; his son, Kevin Neal; son-in-law, Bob Smith; Grandson, Stacey Smith; three brothers and four sisters. Survivors include his children, Steven Andrew Neal and wife Kathy of Moberly, MO and Sherry Lee Smith of Clark, MO; grandchildren, Scott Neal and wife Sheri of Renick, MO, Keith Neal and wife Jocelyn of Cairo, MO, Lori Riley and husband Howard of Cairo, MO and Angela Neal of Huntsville; Eleven great-grandchildren; twelve great great-grandchildren; sister, Sue Sumpter of Sturgeon, MO; granddaughter-in-law, Debbie Smith of Renick, MO; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Services celebrating Willard’s life will be held Saturday, September 1, 2018 at 12:30 p.m. at Pathway Memorial Funeral Home. Interment will follow at the Clifton Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 1, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Memorial contributions are appreciated to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, c/o Memorials Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.