Meridian, MS - Graveside services for Mr. George Ray Neal will begin at 1:00 PM Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery, in the Clarkdale Community, with the Reverends Doug Goodman and Gilbert Eaves officiating. Interment will follow graveside rites. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Mr. Neal, 69, of the Clarkdale Community, died Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Regency Hospital after an extended illness.

Ray was a Graduate of Clarkdale High School; he went on to further his education at Mississippi State University where he was graduated with his Bachelor of Arts in History. After college, he joined the U.S. Army where he spent two years, mostly stationed in Germany. After leaving the Army, he served 20 years in the U.S. Coast Guard. He was stationed at several different locations in the Caribbean Islands and at several bases in the Southern U.S. During his time in the Coast Guard, he received several awards. He retired as a Quarter Master Three.

Mr. Neal is survived by his brother, Tommy Neal; as well as several cousins and extended family members.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Jewel Phillips Neal.

Online condolences may be expressed at robertbarhamffh.com.