Obituary of Fredrick L Neal

Fredrick Leon Neal, 79, of Murfreesboro, TN passed away on Saturday, February 25, 2023. Born on January 27, 1944, in Leland, MS, he was the son of Fred Lee Neal and Alice Portwood Neal of Leland, MS where he grew up at their family home in Stoneville, MS. He loved participating in football and track at Leland High School where they won a state championship in football. He went on to play college football at Ole Miss and subsequently attended Delta State University where he met the love of his life Mary Louise Laney. He had a passion for auto racing which he used to operate several successful businesses such as Main Street Auto, Engine Rebuilders, Goyer Auto Supply, and Neal Racing Engines. He was a longtime member of the National Hot Rod Association where he held many national drag racing records with the 1983 US Nationals Super Stock Championship being his greatest award in racing. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He always put his family first and was a great role model for all that knew him. He enjoyed helping others, always willing to share his passion and expertise, and wanted the best for everyone. He is preceded in death by his parents Fred Lee and Alice Portwood Neal and sister Janice Lee Ferguson. Fred is survived by his wife, Mary Louise Neal; his three children: Fred Neal, Scott Neal (wife Sara Little Neal), and Kirk Neal (Cheris Moss Neal); and grandchildren: Matthew, John Michael, Haley, Buddy, Cole, Blaine, Meredith, and Addison, and three great grandchildren. At Fred’s request, there will be no funeral or memorial service. Instead, he asked that donations be made to St Jude Children’s Hospital.