STOKESDALE — Mr. A. David Neal, 78, died peacefully, January 16, 2013, with his family by his side, after a long and valiant struggle with congestive heart failure.

Mr. Neal's funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 19, at Stokesdale Christian Church, with Dr. Jim Dickerson officiating. Burial with military honors and Masonic Rites will follow in the church cemetery.

David was born on August 11, 1934, in Rockingham County, the oldest son of Dan and Ruby Sherron Neal. He was the big brother of eleven children.

As a young boy, David enjoyed hunting and fishing, basketball and baseball. At age 18, he joined the Coast Guard and was on the Icebreaker Cutter that made the first voyage over the North Pole. His first golf outing was with Ann's father who taught him the fundamentals at age 24. After that, he became an avid golfer, enjoying the game with dear friends until his illness kept him off the course.

On October 22, 1978 was installed as Master of the Stokesdale Lodge 428. He was a charter member of the Stokesdale Jaycees, was Jaycee of the year 1970-71, and a member of Stokesdale Christian Church where he attended regularly as his health permitted. On August 2, 1958, he married Ann Black.

Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Ann B. Neal of the home; daughters Kim Glasscock and Jayne Purdy; son Michael David Neal; grandchildren Stephen Williams, Lee and Kaitlyn Glasscock, Sarah Purdy; great granddaughter Jordan Williams; brothers Clyde Neal, Taylor Neal, James Neal, Steven Neal; sisters Peggy Berry, Shirley DeLancey, Nancy Betters, Dawn Mann, Geri Rose, and Pamela Richardson.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, beginning at 2 p.m. at Stokesdale Christian Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Stokesdale Christian Church, 8607 Stokesdale Street, Stokesdale, NC 27357.

Forbis & Dick Brooke Chapel is serving the Neal family, and on-line condolences may be offered at www.forbisanddick.com.