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Johnnie Lee Neal was born in Sunflower, Miss., on Oct. 30, 1947, to West and Daisy Neal.

Poppa John has four godsons, Jeremiah Nicholson, Ad’yen, Amir, Andrew Jr., and a special great-grandson (Terrance Griffin), and he loved these boys so much. They became very much a part of his life. He taught the boys a lot about riding the lawn mower and tractor.

He loved to fish, barbecue, shoot pool and work in the yard. He worked at Johnson Controls as a COS Operator for 23 years. In 2000 he moved and continued to work in Milwaukee, Wis., until 2003, and he then moved back to Bogalusa permanently.

He leaves to cherish his beloved wife, Gloria Neal; three sons, Johnnie (Toya) Neal Jr. of Indianapolis, Ind., Donte Woodard of Milwaukee, and Eric Neal of Gary, Ind.; one daughter, Lakiyia Woodard of Gary; two brothers, Michael and Vincent (Latarama) Neal of Milwaukee; two sisters, Mary Neal of Madison, Wis., and Dorothy Fine of Gary; sisters-in-law, Juanita Warren of Bogalusa, Darleane Lewis, Ethel Mae Morris, Linda Washington, Jennie (Mark) Curry of New Orleans, and Vivian Alexander of Milwaukee; brothers-in-law, Jeffery Lewis of Slidell, and Robert Lewis of Bogalusa; a special great-grandson, Terrance Griffin; four godsons, Jeremiah Nicholson and Ad’yen, Amir and Andrew Jr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Daisy and West Neal; brother, Eric Neal; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Volian and Charles Lewis; step-father-in-law, Tulos Jefferson; and two stepchildren, Vanessa Minox and Antone Lewis.

A memorial service will be on Saturday, March 26, at Greater Salter Chapel A.M.E. Church at 11 a.m. with Pastor Deborah Branch officiating.

Crain and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Sign the guestbook online at www.crainandsons.com.