Robert Bell Neal, Jr. went to be with his Lord and Savior on December 28, 2023.
In addition to his parents, Bob is preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Ann Neal, and his sister, Evelyn Simpson. Bob is survived by his son, Bobby Neal (Renee); daughter, Christy Neal; daughter, Becky Neal Oakes (Stephen); grandsons, Bobby Neal and Benjamin, Andrew and Wesley Oakes; and cousin, Linda Sikes Ashford. Bob was a devoted family man and will be remembered as a loving husband and father who found immense joy in the company of his wife, children, grandchildren and countless friends.
Born in Starkville, Mississippi, on January 6, 1938, the son of Robert B. Neal, Sr. and Mamie Dell Rickman Neal, Bob graduated from Starkville High School in 1956 where he excelled in athletics. He attended Mississippi State University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 1960 and was an active member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity.
While at Mississippi State, Bob met the love of his life, Ann McCloud, a student at Ole Miss from Clarkdale, Mississippi. They married in 1962 and made their home in Jackson, Mississippi, as Bob began a long career in the insurance industry.
Bob’s career began as an insurance examiner with the Mississippi Insurance Department. He joined Dixie National Life Insurance Company in 1966 and served as President and Chief Executive Officer from 1970 until the sale of the Company in 1995 to Standard Life where he served as Vice Chairman and Director until 2005. Bob served as Mergers and Acquisitions Negotiator for Capital Assurance Corporation following its acquisition of Dixie National Life and Standard Life. In retirement, Bob developed a passion for teaching life and health pre-licensing courses to those seeking insurance licenses. He served as Chairman of Mississippi Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association, President of Life Insurance Association of Mississippi and President of Life Companies Association. He also served on the Board of Directors of the American Cancer Society and Board of Governors of Colonial Country Club. A life-long methodist, Bob was a member of Christ United Methodist Church for over fifty years.
Bob never met a stranger and was genuinely interested in others; his kind spirit and witty personality brought joy to everyone he encountered. A passionate golfer, he enjoyed countless rounds of golf with his son and “the boys” at Colonial Country Club. His heart belonged to Mississippi State Baseball, where he often could be found cheering on the Bulldogs at Dudy Noble Field while enjoying a fine cigar. His greatest joy, however, was the time he spent with his family, especially his beloved grandsons.
A memorial service will be held on January 3, 2024, at 2 PM with visitation from 1 to 2 PM at Christ United Methodist Church. Inurnment at the church’s columbarium will be held at a later date.
