Kenneth Theodore Roosevelt Neal Jr.

March 25, 1952 - January 14, 2021

Deacon Kenneth Theodore Roosevelt Neal, Jr., affectionately known as “Uncle” or “Kenny”, was born on March 25, 1952, in Merrifield, Virginia, to the late Missionary Armenter Viola Harriett Woodland Neal and Deacon Kenneth T.R. Neal, Sr. Kenny spent his early years in Merrifield, Virginia where he received his elementary and middle school education at Luther Jackson School in Falls Church, Virginia. He then attended and received his high school diploma from Oakton High School in Vienna, Virginia. Upon graduating, Kenny furthered his education in the area we all know he loved and had a passion for, MUSIC. Kenny LOVED the Piano and had a beautiful voice. These gifts were developed and nurtured in the Church. Kenny was baptized at a young age and began serving the Lord at Holy Scripture Church of Christ in Baileys Crossroads, Virginia. Kenny served and played for many choirs down through the years while attending Holy Scripture and nothing gave him more peace and pleasure than to sing and play in the House of the Lord. He was always willing to serve, a trait instilled in him by his loving parents. Kenny also fellowshipped with many churches in the Northern Virginia area during his adulthood. Kenny moved to Baltimore, Maryland to live with his older brother and Pastor, Dr. Robert F. Woodland and wife, Pastor Beverlie Ramocan-Woodland of First Century Church of God, Inc., Baltimore, Maryland. With continued counseling and mentorship, Kenny decided to take seriously his commitment to the Word of God; he repented, asked for water baptism in 2011 and with the receiving of God’s Holy Spirit, he made a commitment to serve in God’s church as the pianist. In 2012 he was ordained as Deacon and the Minister of Music and served the church faithfully as a living vessel for the Lord. Due to health reasons, Kenny decided to relocate to Arizona, where the climate was warmer and better for his overall health. He left with Pastor Woodland’s blessing but would return every year to keep the Feast of Tabernacles hosted by First Century Church of God until his final service in 2020. Before his initial departure for Arizona, Kenny looked online for a place of worship before even having a place to live. His service to the Lord was his main priority. Upon finding a home in Glendale, Arizona, he relocated and began faithfully serving at the United Church of God in Glendale, Pastor Scott McKeon. Kenny felt at home there and, as he would later testify, “I found more of my family.” While in Arizona he would often share how much he enjoyed his lemon tree, the sunshine, his new-found friends and attending United Church of God every Sabbath (Saturday). He was truly loved and cherished by many at the Vista Alegre Senior Homes complex where he resided. Kenny would make his annual trek back to the DMV area every year with the help of his niece, Natalie. We would all ask – okay, who is Uncle staying with this year? When he arrived, he would start making his phone calls and rounds. The family would do our best to “share” him over those few months that he would be home. Kenny’s prayer was that the family would all come together, forget past transgressions and division and fulfill the legacy of love and service he treasured. To truly know Kenny, you had no choice but to love him. He didn’t sugarcoat anything and would always give his input in love. Kenny was a take-charge person and would keep everyone straight in any situation – church or home. Although, Kenny held many positions in the workforce, we all knew him as a Caretaker. He literally took care of 3 generations of the Neal family. He lovingly cared for his parents during their times of illness and would come to assist any family or friends who were in need. Surgeries, the births of children, the common cold – you name it, Kenny would be there! We all know Kenny was famous for his cleanliness. He would clean and clean until he couldn’t clean anymore. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of him staying with you, cleaning would often start very early in the morning! You may even return home and your entire living room be rearranged or your kitchen reorganized! Although it would be nerve wracking, having him there was an indescribable comfort that our family will forever miss. Following his annual 2020 visit with family and friends here at home, Kenny became ill when he arrived back in Arizona. A few days after Christmas he was unfortunately diagnosed with pneumonia and Covid. He was admitted to the hospital and truly fought for his life. Some days would look better than others, but Kenny refused to give up. He fought to get better for several days until his prognosis changed on January 14, 2021 and, Kenny being the strong-willed individual he is, made the decision to stop all medical treatment. With the assistance of modern technology, the loving and outstanding staff at Bannerwood Thurnderbird Medical Center, Kenny was able to spend his last cherished hours of life with his family via Zoom. Kenny was able to communicate that he loved us all. After expressing our love and gratitude for him and all that he had been to our family, Uncle Kenny made his transition from labor to reward on January 14, 2021 at 10:25 p.m. We all know that Kenny loved Facebook and the fact that he could stay in communication with so many. We will miss his Sabbath Day selfies and his special birthday wishes intentionally designed for each recipient. Kenny had pictures of everyone and for every occasion. His last post on Facebook, a few days before he transitioned read, “I am determined to hold out till the end, if Jesus goes with me on Him I can depend. I know I’ve got Salvation, I feel it in my soul, I am determined to hold out to the end.” And that, he did. Kenny is proceeded in death by his mother and father; his three older brothers, Dr. Robert “Bobby” Woodland, Romine “Peaches” Neal and Charles Neal, Sr. He also leaves to cherish his memory, a large host of nieces, nephews, play nieces and nephews, cousins, and very special friends. To try and name each and every one would be a disservice. Just remember that Kenny loved you all!   Order of Service Musical Prelude Processional…………………………………………………..….Church Officials Scripture Readings…………...……………….……….Deacon Eugene Pollard Old Testament – Psalm 116: 1-15 New Testament – 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 Prayer of Comfort……………………………………..Prophetess Joyce Pollard Song of Comfort………………………………………………….….Bryan Rose Acknowledgements and Cards……………………………..………Ebony Neal Reading of Obituary……………………………………………..Kimberly Neal Special tributes……………………………………………….Family and Friends (Limit 2 minutes, please) Musical Selection Eulogy…………………………………………………….. Elder Kent Marshall Recessional Interment immediately following the service Pleasant Valley Memorial Park 8420 Little River Turnpike Annandale, VA 22003 **Due to the Pandemic and the restrictions in place, we respectfully request that masks be worn at all times and that you remain socially distant**