Kenneth Neal – Metropolitan Funeral

Kenneth “Kenny” Neal gained his wings quietly at home in Adelphi, MD on November 17, 2023.

He was born on August 8, 1964, to Louise O. Neal and Charlie W. Neal in Portsmouth, VA. He was a proud Cradock High School alumnus. Much like many teenagers at the time, he bounced around from job to job. His first job was with PET Milk Company and then he transferred to Food Lion as a Butcher Trainee. He was a long-time Portsmouth native until eventually moving to Northern VA shortly after graduation. After relocating, he began employment with W.W. Grainger, Inc, a supply chain management corporation. This is the job that started his career and sparked his interest in Logistics. He stayed there for 11 years, learning new skills while increasing his expertise. With a deeper understanding and elevated career goals, he transitioned to Raytheon, Inc and began working as a Production Operations Specialist. He quickly moved up the chain, ultimately earning a position as an E-Systems Technician. His career flourished; he was proud of the 15 years he spent at Raytheon, Inc. He ended his career as a Federal Government Contractor for FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency in Washington, DC. Some would say this was the highlight of his career because he traveled 60% of the time but truly, he enjoyed each one of his jobs. Throughout his career he met lifelong friends from all walks of life, shared endless laughs and told funny stories that only those who were there could understand.

He lived a full life and did things his way. He never let anyone change his mind, especially when it came to football. He was very proud to be a die-hard Dallas Cowboys Fan. As a child he played little league football but soon discovered he liked watching it more. This was his #1 hobby. He faithfully watched every Cowboys game. Whenever they played; he was glued to the tv. We all knew not to call him during the game.

Kenny is survived by his mother Louise O. Neal and father Charlie W. Neal. He leaves to cherish his memory his sister, Cathlene Smith; brother, Keith Neal (Karen); stepbrothers, Daryl Neal and Charles Hawkins (Shimeda); nieces, Tanesha Claggion (Jamaal) and Trimaine Brinkley; nephew, Bernard “BJ” Smith Jr.; five great nieces and nephews and a host of family and friends.