Charles B. Neal, Jr.

Charles Brooks Neal II was born September 23, 1923, in Detroit, Michigan, the first of two sons to Charles Brooks Neal I and Mayo Barlow Neal. Charles’ mother died when he was six years old, and his father then relocated to Roanoke, VA, so that his sister could help him nurture Charles and his younger brother, Sanford. The boys remained in Roanoke until their dad relocated to New York.  His dad was a professional barber and owned the first Black barbershop in the Bronx.  Charles I was also a professional musician who was a member of the New York Excelsior Band.

As a young adult, Charles II worked on the railroad. His assigned route was from New York to Miami, Florida. Subsequently, Charles wed Lillian Hatcher. During their marriage, they had nine children. Employment opportunities dictated his relocation to Atlanta, Georgia, where he later married Shirley McIntyre Neal, and they had two daughters. Charles relocated to the Westin Hotel in Seattle to lead the company’s flagship endeavors, where he remained until his retirement.  After he retired from the Westin, he started a Limousine Service to and from SeaTac for more than 15 years.

Charles believed that his God-given life’s mission was to genuinely help all with whom he came into contact.  He managed a large staff, worked long hours, and modeled and required being on time and excellence.  He was a diligent taskmaster, but his staff loved him because of his fairness and mentorship.  Charles was also a devoted father. After spending long hours at work, he would come home and help his daughters wash their dolls’ hair.

Charles and Shirley were blessed with 52 years of marriage. He leaves a great legacy of service and compassion for all who knew him. The family is grateful for all of the stories and memories shared about how he touched the lives of so many people.

Charles was preceded in death by his father Charles Neal I, mother Mayo Barlow, stepmother Ruth Neal, brother Sanford Neal, son Dennis Neal, and daughter Millicent Neal.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Neal; children Charles Neal III (Ruby), Cynthia Young (Tony), Linda Perry, Sophia Cherry, Patricia Harris, Florian Neal (Shaumille), Victor Neal, Robin Clayton (Kurt), and Stacia Bible (James); a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

The memorial Mass will also be livestreamed from the St. Louise website at https://www.stlouise.org/.

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