Neal Earl Daves

(1946-2024)

Neal Earl Daves, a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was born on October 16^th, 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

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