Gerald Kevin Neal

Gerald Kevin Neal, 62, of Knoxville, TN, having courageously fought an impossible battle with cancer and pulmonary fibrosis, passed away early Wednesday morning, November 22, 2023, in his loving home surrounded by loved ones.
Gerald was born on March 24, 1961, in Williamsburg, KY.
He was preceded in death by his loving father, Leonard Billy Neal and mother, Juanita Drusilla (Lynch) Neal; and his paternal grandparents, A. J. Neal and Georgia (Baird) Neal, and his maternal grandparents, Herbert Lynch and Joie (Bowlin) Lynch, whom he loved dearly.
Gerald honorably served his country in the United States Army before meeting the love of his life, Mary Viola Knight, in 1985. They playfully worked together at Jerry’s restaurant in West Knoxville, TN. They were married shortly after on June 16, 1986, and lived the most love-filled life together for 36 years.
Gerald is survived by his beloved wife, Mary (Knight) Neal, of Knoxville; eight wonderful children, Toni Vandergriff, Dawn Berrier, Jessica Berrier, Amanda Capps, and husband, James, Kevin Neal, and wife, Brittany, Chasity Neal, Mary Elizabeth Brown, and husband, Brett, and Damian Neal; 16 beautiful grandchildren, Julia, Joseph, Lillian, Alyssa, Zac, Jon, Paul, Cameron, Miranda, Dyllan, Blakely, Dayton, Abigail, Grayson, Braylin, and Brooklyn; five precious great-grandchildren, Sophia, Marijane, Audrey, Isabella, and Adonis; loving brother, Leonard Billy Neal, Jr.; sweet aunt, Aundria Sustarich, and countless friends, neighbors, and other relatives to mourn his passing.
Funeral service was Saturday, November 25, at the Cox & Son Funeral Home Chapel in Jellico, TN with the Rev. Russell Sharp officiating.
Interment followed in the Bowlin Cemetery.
Pallbearers were his loving family and friends, Kevin Neal, Zac Myers, Brett Brown, Damian Neal, Billy Neal, Jr., Paul Puckett, Thomas Clement, and Quintin Vittetoe.
Cox & Son Funeral Home of Jellico in charge of arrangements.