(1946-2024)
Neal Earl Daves, a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was born on October 16th, 1946.
Neal was a Christian, a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend, and mentor to many. He was a God-fearing man who loved to live out his faith and share the love of Christ with those around him daily. His love for the Lord, Phyllis, and the rest of his family was evident in the way he lived his life set-apart from the world as he demonstrated his strong, Christian faith.
Neal grew up competing in many rough-stock events in rodeo. He rode bulls, bareback horses, and even worked as a rodeo clown. As a young man, Neal also helped his father install air conditioning units in residential and commercial buildings around the Baton Rouge area.
Neal is a 1964 graduate of Woodlawn High School as well as a 1966 graduate of Spencer Business College. He began his career with Exxon Refinery as a machinist in 1967, retiring in 2001. While working for Exxon, Neal spent time as one of the instructors for their apprenticeship program and later served as a Rotating Equipment Specialist. He was also Captain of Team 3, with the Refinery’s Volunteer Fire Team.
His true love was for the Lord and his family. Neal spent time daily studying God’s Word and in prayer. He had such a passion for God and His Word he would consistently encourage others to spend time reading and studying their Bibles. He was a faithful mentor to many people throughout his life and was considered worthy of emulation by those who knew him.
Neal also embraced gladly the words of Psalm 127:3, “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” Neal loved his family and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with them. Whether it was time with Phyllis in the Great Smoky Mountains, piloting airplanes, riding his motorcycle, boating, scuba diving or RVing, Neal valued his time with family as a blessing from God.
Neal is preceded in death by his parents, B.E. & Doris Daves; Hazel Taylor Durnin & Winston; his sister, Gloria “Jean” Daves Lehman; a brother, William “Billy” (Carol) Zumbro; a nephew, Keith Scott; and his niece, Mallory Everett.
He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Aaron Daves; his sister, Wanda “Dee” (David) Everett; daughters, Paula (Christopher) Dupuy and Carla (Haney) Ambrose; grandchildren, Ronald “Ronnie” Daren (Kristina Yott) Eppinett, Summer (Robert) Day, Drae Ambrose, Aaron “Bryce” and Presley Dupuy; great grandchildren, Liam “Ryder” and Samara Eppinett and Hunter Lane Day.
Honorary Pallbearers: Ronnie Eppinett, Bryce Dupuy, Chris Dupuy, Robert Day, Haney Ambrose, David Everett, Tim Fabre, John Dixon, Mike Camp.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Team Gleason https://teamgleason.org/donate/
Services to be held Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at Galilee Baptist Church, 11050 Greenwell Springs- Port Hudson Rd., Zachary, La 70791. Visitation 11:00am-1pm, Service 1:00pm
10 comments
Charles O'Neill
March 26, 2024 at 11:09 pm
Great guy. Salt of the earth. Enjoyed reading his obit. I had no idea he had done so many things.
Stan and Pennie Burton
March 24, 2024 at 10:04 pm
We grew to know Neal and Phyllis when they camped in our campground. We liked Neal as soon as we met him. While he was a soft spoken gentleman, he was also a funny, mischievous man, full of lots of stories. He made us jambalaya, being from Minnesota we had never had it before. It was amazing. And enough to feed our entire little campground.
It would make me smile when I went by his campsite and he would be under the awning of his camper reading his Bible or taking a little cat nap.
Our love and deepest sympathy go out to you Phyllis and your entire family. Rest easy dear Neal.
Johnny L Nelson
March 24, 2024 at 12:50 pm
Johnny Nelson
Neal was blessed with wisdom that only comes from understanding GODS word. Rest in peace well done.
Phil Pousson
March 24, 2024 at 1:35 am
Neal was always true to his religion, his family, and his work. He was an example for us all. His presence is missed, but lessons learned from this fine man will continue to bless all who encountered him
Joe Dooling
March 23, 2024 at 6:02 pm
The Dooling Family is sorry for Your loss! Neal was a soft spoken gentleman with a many talents! Neal taught a many of my colleagues a lot of knowledge on rotating equipment! I myself was very fortunate to get to know Neal myself for that if I had a question Neal would either answer it or refer to the right person who could. I have in the last few months needed Neal for knowledge but knew he was ill. Again sorry for your loss and Prayers for all!
BOBBIE SHELL
March 23, 2024 at 3:27 pm
THIS WORLD LOST A GOOD MAN! HEAVEN GAINED ANOTHER SOUL! CAME TO KNOW NEAL AND HIS FAMILY THRU CAMPING IN CADES COVE (AND ROAN MOUNTAIN TN). HE WAS SUCH A FRIEND TO ALL; AND, HE SURE COULD COOK A MEAN POT OF STEW! NEAL WAS AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO SO MANY EVEN AS HE FOUGHT HEALTH ISSUES. I KNOW THE FAMILY WILL MISS HIM AND WILL GRIEVE FOR HIS PRESENCE, BUT, WE CAN ALL LOOK FORWARD TO THAT GREAT REUNION DAY. PRAY THAT GOD WILL BLESS, COMFORT, STRENGTHEN AND GIVE PEACE THAT ONLY HE CAN GIVE. REST IN PEACE MY SPECIAL FRIEND NEAL.
Vince Giaccone
March 23, 2024 at 1:29 pm
Phyllis, our condolences in the passing of Neal. He was a kind man always willing to share his knowledge with everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are lifted up for you and the Daves Family. May the moments you shared grant you comfort and peace as you grieve. Neal, go rest high on that Mountain, your work on earth is done. God Bless, Vince and Rhenda
Sharon Cole
March 23, 2024 at 3:07 am
Neal was truly a good man. It is so tragic that he was stricken when you and he could really enjoy your lives together. I respected him immensely. I know that he and the family struggled the past few years. I trust that Neil is at rest with the lord and that your family can take strength from that. I keep you all in in prayers and love you
Vera Theriot
March 22, 2024 at 9:47 pm
Phyllis, I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember him as a wonderful Christian man. God bless you all, hold you close and share your sorrow till the heart knows he’s in Gods arms and enjoying the Heavens God prepared for him.
God hold you close.
Lori Loftin
March 22, 2024 at 8:10 pm
He was definitely a child of God, a one of a kind, wonderful sense of humor, a honest and faithful man, a true friend and a true mentor to Mike and myself. I will miss his texts, emails and guidance. Rest in Heavenly Peace my dear friend.