04/24/1926 – 10/13/1999

Married: Ina Mae Swan

Children: Pal, Pam, Phil, and Perry

Grandchildren: Houston, Hannah, Haden, Rachel, Mark, Kyle, and Adam

Kenneth Neal was a lifelong resident of the Tucker’s Crossroads Community in Wilson County. He worked on his farm in this community until his death in 1999. His three sons, Pal, Phil and Perry Neal continue to work on this farm with a beef cattle operation. Kenneth’s parents were Pallas and Bennie Neal. His grandfather was William Haskell Neal, the developer of Neal’s Paymaster Corn.

Kenneth married Ina Swan in 1957 and they built a house on the farm and raised their four children there. Ina taught school at Tucker’s Crossroads while Kenneth farmed full time. He primarily raised tobacco, corn, and beef cattle.

Although Kenneth had a very strong work ethic, he did enjoy a few hobbies. As he got older and scaled back a little on farm work, he spent more time fishing. One of his favorite places to fish was the Cordell Hull Dam. He also enjoyed dove hunting. He would always host a dove hunt on opening day of the season. He enjoyed spending long winter evenings playing rook with family and friends.

In addition to his farm work, Kenneth was active in his community and county. He attended Bethlehem Church of Christ his entire life and served as a deacon for 16 years and as an elder for 11 years. His wife and children still attend this church.

Kenneth along with John Eatherly and Newell Jenkins provided land and were instrumental in starting a softball park for the children of the Tucker’s Crossroads Community. Two generation of children have now enjoyed the opportunity to play softball in this park.

Kenneth was also an avid supporter of Friendship Christian School and served on the Board of Directors for 16 years. He and Ina made it possible for their children and grandchildren to attend this school.

Kenneth was very active in the Farm Bureau Agency; serving locally, as well, as at the state level. He was elected to serve as director-at-large at the state level from 1987 until 1994. He served as president of the Wilson County Farm Bureau from 1082 until he became ill in 1999. He also served on the board of directors for the Wilson County Farmers Co-op and Lebanon Bank. He was selected as Soil Conservation Farmer of the Year in 1972.

Kenneth Neal left behind a legacy of hard work, integrity, and community service.