Thomas Dwight Neal

Thomas Dwight Neal, 88, of Boiling Springs, SC, passed away June 30, 2023 surrounded by his family. Tom was born in Greensboro, NC, October 20, 1934; son of Annie Mae Cheek Neal and Henry Dwight Neal. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Brenda Annette Wilkie Neal of the home, and Tristan Mullally . 
He is survived by daughters, Melissa Neal Vicars (Dale) and Kimberly Scudder (Martin). He is survived by sons Paul Neal and Theodore Javes (Kerry). Tom was predeceased by daughter, Juliette Gum and son Kevin Javes. Papa Tom is also survived by his grandchildren Christopher Dunker, Kelby Mullally, Lauren Gault (Tj), Seth Phillip Thomas Javes, Bryson Thomas Dameron, Lucia Javes, Kimber Annette Vicars, and 7 great grandchildren. He is survived by sisters Gloria Walker (Paul) and Judy Piephoff. Tom is survived by his best friend and loyal canine companion, Sadie. He was a member of Lake Bowen Baptist Church and a devoted Christian. 
He was a graduate of Guilford College with a Bachelor of Science and Clemson University with a degree in engineering. Tom was retired from Arrow Automotive where he was an engineering manager for over 20 years. 
Tom led a fulfilling life of adventure and service to God, his family, his country, and children of the community. Included in his adventures and accomplishments are US Marine Corp. Reserves (1953-1959). He was a private pilot  and pilot instructor with Orr Aviation. Tom was dedicated to the BoyScouts of America/Sea Scouts for over 30 years where he was a former Troop Leader. He was a volunteer with Salvation Army for several years. He was a former board member of Boys Home of Spartanburg. Tom was a former member of Breakfast Optimist Club where he served for several years. He was a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and local Awana Club. 
He was an avid golfer who enjoyed spending time on the green. Tom enjoyed water sports including sailing his boat, his ski boat, building Melissa and Paul the SS Minnow, skiing, and fishing. He loved spending time in nature camping and hiking. Bowling was a favorite pastime as well. Tom loved racing and used his intellect and engineering skills to build and race his own car winning numerous trophies. 
Pallbearers are Kelby Mullally, Dale Vicars, Steve Dameron, Timothy Gault, Justin Melton, and Jared Brice.
The Neal family would like to acknowledge with special thanks and gratitude to Danial Sherbert, Tom’s hospice nurse. A special thanks to his daughter Melissa Neal Vicars for her dedication to his medical care during his final days, unending love, total dedication, and support. Family; Gwen McAbee, Michael Wilkie, Debra Laws, and Lauren Gault for their love and support during his final days. 
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Lake Bowen Baptist Church building fund, 404 Sugar Ridge Road, Inman, SC

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 6, 2023, from 10:00 until 10:45 AM at Seawright Funeral Home 26 East Main Street, Inman SC, funeral services will follow at 11:00 AM in the chapel with Rev. Brad Atkins officiating. Burial will be in Good Shepherd Memorial Park with military rites by American Legion Post 200.

Online condolences mat be left at seawright-funeralhome.com