Walter Neal Jr.

NEAL, Walter Earl Jr. - Age 75, of Durand, died Sunday August 23, 2020.  A private family burial will be held at Glenwood Cemetery, Pastor David Fulks officiating. Arrangements provided by Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek. Walter was born November 29, 1944 in Bay City, Michigan, the son of Walter Earl Sr. and Ruth (Bradley) Neal. In 1957, at the age of 12 Walt played on Bay City's little league team that finished 2nd in the state. Walt took welding classes in high school and excelled in a variety of sports including; track, basketball, football and baseball. He played shortstop and center field. In 1963, Walt graduated from Bay City Central, Bay City MI. Walt ended up playing baseball, softball and blooper ball on various teams for over 30 years. His whole life he was an avid fisherman and especially liked duck and deer hunting. After high school, Walt worked as a welder in Defoe Shipyard in Bay City. Walt was certified as a welder and high-pressure welder. He completed a 5 year apprentice program becoming  a Journeyman- plumber-pipe fitter. There he served as a union steward, was a part of the collective bargaining negotiations and served six years on the membership examining board. Mr. Neal worked 42 years as a welder/plumber/pipefitter. Twenty-one years  spent working for the AFL-CIO Union Building Trade Local 816 out of Bay City, and Twenty-one years at General Motors SPO, Swartz Creek retiring in 2006. At the age of 28, Walt accepted Jesus Christ, served as an Awana leader, Care-circle leader and various compassion ministry throughout the community. He also served as trustee and board member for several different churches. On September 7, 1991, Walter Neal married Margaret Cross at Davison Free Methodist Church, Davison. Presently, Margie and Walt attend Faith Church in Gaines and have been married 29 years. Together they have six children; John Neal, Karen (Brent) Gaudreau, Wendy Cross, Amy Idzior, Marcy Cross and Brent (Kristi) Cross. Twenty grandchildren; three great grandchildren and many special nieces and nephews. Special friends include Floyd Taylor, Pastor David Fulks and family and the Matt Sprague family. Mr. Neal was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Sr. and Ruth Neal; brother Michael Neal and special uncle, Pat Bradley.  Walt's wife Margie took care of him at home as he lived a challenging life for the last 7 years with Alzheimer's. In  lieu of flowers the family would like an honorary donation to be made to any of the following organizations: Pat's Memory Adult Care Place in Corunna, the Cottage of Davison Alzheimer and Memory Unit of Davison, Welcome Home Assisted Living, Owosso or Faith Church Building program of Gaines. All who have Helped and supported them the last few months of his disease   Tributes may be shared  at  www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.