Samuel "Sam" Frederick Neal

Samuel Frederick Neal, 81, beloved husband, son, and uncle passed away on August 22, 2021 at his home In Point Pleasant, W.Va. Sam was born on August 24, 1939 in Huntington, W.Va. He was the son of the late Madge Edith (Trout) Neal. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his aunt Flossie Trout, and numerous aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife, Zelma Jean Neal; two brothers-in-law, Ronald Ray (Marjorie) Pullin, Jeffrey Owen (Vickie) Pullin; a nephew, Jeffrey David Pullin; three nieces, Alysia (Timothy) Becker, Mallory (Brandan) Smith, and Rebecca (Joseph) Bocook; and four great-nephews and one great-niece. Sam was raised in Gallipolis, Ohio where he graduated from Gallia Academy High School in 1957. He served in the United States Army from 1961-1964 and was stationed in Germany as a cryptographer. He returned home and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Marshall University in 1968. Sam began his professional career as a radio DJ for the former WJEH in Gallipolis, Ohio followed by a TV journalism career at WSAZ in Huntington, W.Va. and WTVD in Raleigh, NC where he served as the station’s statehouse Bureau Chief. Sam later worked in public relations and eventually retired from State Farm Insurance where he was on the National Catastrophe Team. He also started the Holzer Medical Center’s Community Relations Department and was instrumental in passing the Rio Grande Community College levy in four counties. On January 22, 1966, Sam married Jean Pullin at Good Shepherd Methodist Church in Flatrock, W.Va. Together they traveled the world, visiting nearly every state and international destinations like Europe and China. Sam loved a great adventure. He was a certified scuba diver and dove off of the North American continental shelf. He also learned to fly planes, flying solo twice and even tried skydiving. Sam also had a thirst for knowledge. He was an avid reader, often starting and finishing a novel in a day and did up to seven-word and other type puzzles every day. He also whitewater rafted the New River in West Virginia and the Snake River in Colorado. Sam was a member of First Baptist Church in Gallipolis, Ohio where he served the Lord for many years in the church choir and as a vocalist. Because of concerns about COVID-19, a going home celebration will be announced and held at a later date and time. The family would like to thank the staff of the Mason County EMS for their care and compassion during Sam’s final days. Services are under the direction of the Wilcoxen Funeral Home in Point Pleasant. Condolences may be expressed to the family and memories may be shared by visiting www.wilcoxenfuneralhome.com.