Reverend James Edgar McNeal

Reverend James Edgar McNeal, age 92, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at his residence. He was born to the late Rev. Paul & Willie Bell Cagle McNeal on June 28, 1933 in Gainesville, Georgia.

Rev. James lived a wonderful life alongside his loving wife of 74 years. He also cherished his role as father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a Minister. He ministered at the following churches; Northside Baptist in Gainesville, Sharon Baptist in Hoschton, Mountain View Baptist in Oakwood, Friendship Baptist in Buford, Poplar Springs Baptist in Oakwood, Mountain Creek Baptist in Talmo, & Ivy Creek Baptist in Buford.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 1:00 PM in the Chapel at Memorial Park Funeral Home. Reverend Earl Pirkle & Reverend Mike Williams will officiate the service. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will be receiving friends on Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Memorial Park Funeral Home.  

Mr. McNeal is preceded in death by his parents, son, Donald McNeal; granddaughter, Heather McNeal; grandsons, Daniel McNeal, Benjamin McNeal; brothers, Neal McNeal, R.C. McNeal; sister, Mildred Tysor; daughter-in-law’s, Vicki Siniard McNeal & Elizabeth Cunningham McNeal.

He is survived by his wife, Merle McNeal of Flowery Branch, Ga; sons, Ronald (Wanda) McNeal of Thomson, Ga, Josh (Gilli) McNeal of Flowery Branch, Ga; daughters, Teresa (Larry) Cross of Buford, Ga, Pam (Tony) Patterson of Flowery Branch, Ga; daughter-in-law, Paula McNeal of Cartersville, Ga;  grandchildren, Lara (Blake) Wayne of Braselton, Ga, Kayla (Joey) Williams of Chelsea, Al, Rauston McNeal of Flowery Branch, Ga, Sidda McNeal of Flowery Branch, Ga; great-grandchildren, Raeann Williams of Chelsea, Al, Charleigh Williams of Chelsea, Al, Maela Wayne of Braselton, Ga, Isla James Wayne of Braselton, Ga; siblings, Mary Ann Gibbs of Gainesville, Ga, Evelyn McGehee of Gainesville, Ga, Doug (Joyce) McNeal of Clermont, Ga; brother-in-law, Lamar (Martha) James of Flowery Branch, Ga; several nieces & nephews; special family friends, Donna Graham & Jill Corbin.  

A special thank you to the caregivers at Waypoint Senior Living & Inspire Palliative & Hospice Care. 

Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Drive, Gainesville, Georgia 30504 is in charge of the arrangements.

Send online condolences to memorialparkfuneralhomes.com 

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