Hollis Eugene Neal, Jr.

Hollis Eugene Neal Jr., 85, passed away peacefully at his home in Springfield, Louisiana, on May 10, 2026. He was affectionately known by those who loved him as “Honey,” and his family all agree that he lived up to the sweetness of the name.

Honey was born on April 10, 1941, in Holden, Louisiana, to Hollis Eugene Neal Sr. and Frances Wagner Neal. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and even a great-great-grandfather, as well as a faithful friend whose life was centered around his family, his faith, and spending as much time outdoors as possible.

He proudly served in the Army Reserve Military Police at Fort Polk from 1966 to 1972 and was a dedicated member of the Baton Rouge Carpenters Local Union for more than 50 years. Honey was known for his strong work ethic and quiet strength.

A man of deep faith, Hollis faithfully served at Blood River Church of God for many years as a Youth Leader, Deacon, and Chairman of the Board. His Bible still carries a bookmark that proudly displayed photos of his oldest grandchildren as babies and was known to hand out Mentos before sermons to those same grandchildren over the years.

Honey was an avid fox hunter who cherished spending time outdoors with his family. Whether hunting, riding his four-wheeler, or caring for his dogs, some of his family’s greatest memories came from being outside and learning from Honey. If he was not outside, he could usually be found in his favorite recliner with a Dr. Pepper and a Honey Bun with Westerns playing on the TV. He will be remembered for the love he poured into his family across generations.

He is survived by his loving wife, Delma Jean Neal; his daughters, Terri (Mike) Lee and Debra Turnage; his stepchildren, Lisa (Greg) Roache, Lynette (Tab) Lobell, Richie (Stacy) Gainey, and Chris (Jessica) Gainey; his brothers Ronny (Barbara) Neal and Roy (Bonnie) Neal; and his sisters, Betty Jane (Miguel) Coelho, Shirley Laughery, and Rosemary Locandro.

He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Brain (Laura) Wall, Tyler (Kassidy) Wall, Cody (Kiera) Gainey, Katelyn (William) Wyatt, Miranda (Levi) Walters, Dylan (Emily) Wilson, Shelby (Addison) Tow, Alan Gainey, Lanie (Evan) Baudouin, Benjamin (Elli) Gainey, McKenzie Gainey, Tabitha (Mason) Dugas, Savanna Lobell, Andrew Roache, and Jordan Gainey; great-grandchildren Olivia, Dean, Tucker, Paisley, Maddie, Bear, Millie, Waylon, Avery, Allison, Kollins, and Sawyer; and great-great-granddaughter Harper.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hollis Eugene Neal Sr. and Frances Wagner Neal; his first wife, Joyce Ann Neal; his brother, Charles “CB” Neal; his sister, Mamie Lou Starkey; his grandson, Bradley Wayne; his son-in-law, Dugga Turnage; and his brothers-in-law, Ed Laughery and Nino Locandro.

Services will be held Wednesday, May 13th at Blood River Church of God. Family visitation will be from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m., with public visitation from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by lunch at the church at 12:30 p.m. He will be laid to rest at Carter Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Brian Wall, Tyler Wall, Dylan Wilson, Alan Gainey, Dean Wall, and Tucker Wilson. Honorary pallbearers will be Richie Gainey, Chris Gainey, Cody Gainey, Benjamin Gainey, and Andrew Roache.

His legacy of love, faith, hard work, devotion to family, and love of Dr. Pepper and Honey Buns will continue to live on in all who knew and loved him, and he will always be known as Honey and Paw.