Mr. Percy Neal Jr.

Percy Neal Jr., 65, surrounded by his wife and children, departed this earthly home to be welcomed in his heavenly home after a long battle with two forms of cancer, on January 6, 2024, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center at 9:32 a.m. Percy was born on November 10, 1958, in Peoria, IL. He attended Peoria “Central” High School in Peoria and was a part of the 1977 Class AA State Championship basketball team; which was inducted into the Illinois Sports Hall of Fame. Percy is known to have the first official dunk of the state tournament when it was reinstated, just one of his amazing basketball stories to be remembered. He went on to attend Grandview College in Des Moines, IA for two years then transferred to University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD with a full athletic scholarship where he finished with a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation Management. Percy, for most of his adult life, served as a social worker at Catholic Charities as well as a high school and college basketball referee. He was a sports enthusiast through and through only matched by his passion for cooking. Percy had a larger-than-life, boisterous personality and kind heart that many would go to for wisdom and guidance. Family was the most important thing to Percy as he enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his loved ones. Percy and Tina would have celebrated 41 years of marriage this year, and 45 together. Percy will be remembered as a hard worker, a great friend to his wife, a loving father, and an amazing provider. Percy leaves to cherish his precious memory; his loving wife: Tina Neal; three children: Christopher Leon Neal, Gabriel (Allison) Neal, and Christina Neal Sanders; six grandchildren; one sister: Sylvia Graham, one brother: Quinton Neal Sr., sister-in-law Sherri (Marvin) Neal, and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends who will miss him dearly. Percy is preceded in death by his parents; Percy and Florence Neal Sr., one brother: Marvin Neal and one brother-in-law: Steven Graham. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Star of Hope Full Gospel Baptist Church on January 20, 2024, at 10:00 AM with visitation commencing an hour prior at 9:00 AM. Bishop Joseph Johnson will host and present the eulogy. Flowers, donations, and condolences may be offered at 417 W. R.B. Garrett Ave. Peoria IL 61605. Live streaming can be viewed by clicking the link for TW Parks Colonial Chapel Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/twparkscolonialchapel.

Mr. Percy Neal Jr.

July 10, 1958 - January 6, 2024