Idas Lee Neal Sr., 97, of Arley, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012, in Jasper surrounded by his family. He was born on Feb. 1, 1915, in Delta. Mr. Neal was a member of Arley First Baptist Church for 70 years. He graduated from Meek High School and in 1976 was named Alumnus of the year. In 1997 he was inducted into the Winston County Sports Hall of Fame, and was a member of the Arley Masonic Lodge 867. Mr. Neal is a retired chairman of the Winston County Commission, and served Winston County as a member of the Board of Education. He was a founding member of the Winston County Chittlin’ Eaters Association.

Visitation will be held today, Sept. 20, 2012, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Arley First Baptist Church, and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday where services will be held at 11 a.m. Brother Roger Houston and Brother Don Graham will officiate. Burial will be in Arley Baptist Church Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Lovenie D. Neal; son, Idas “Spooky” Neal Jr. and his wife, Betty; daughters, Bonnie Neal Estes and her husband, Buddy, and Tammy Neal East; he was Pa Paw to four grandchildren, Greg Neal and his wife, Cindy, Tonya Neal Lang and her husband, Bob, Amy Neal Ellis and her husband, Rod, and Robert Neal East; and five great-grandchildren, Makenna Lang, Kelton Lang, Ty Neal, Reid Ellis and Annsley Grace Ellis.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Etta Fuller Neal and William G. Neal; brothers, Pascal Neal and Russell Neal; sister, Dessie Davis and twin sister, Ida Umphrey.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Meek High School Shared Athletic Account, 6615 County Road 41, Arley, Al 35541 or to Arley First Baptist Church, PO Box 126, Arley, Al 35541

Friends may sign the guestbook online at www.nicholsfuneralhomes.com.

Nichols Funeral Home, Addison; 256-747-6063