Neal Thurston Clary Jr.

On April 25, 2025, Neal Thurston Clary, Jr., went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Neal, a resident of Kennedale, Texas, was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on September 8, 1944. Neal and his younger sister Teresa (Culbertson) grew up learning to love Jesus, and Neal followed Him from an early age.

Neal was a talented singer, pianist, actor, scholar, and strong leader. He was president of his junior and senior classes at Southeast High School, where he graduated in May 1962. Later that year, Neal left home to attend and ultimately graduate from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Business Administration on June 5, 1966. He married his college sweetheart, Carolyn Yvonne Dixon, the next day. 

Neal served his country as a commissioned Supply Officer in the US Navy until 1970, aboard the USS Vogelgesang. He enjoyed serving and traveling with his shipmates and new bride to Italy, Spain, and France.

After leaving the Navy, Neal worked for the Baptist Bookstores (Lifeway) in Virginia and Tennessee, where their three daughters were born. He was an avid reader and writer, studying scripture at every opportunity. He was an ordained Deacon and Minister, and Pastored three Baptist churches. Throughout his lifetime, Neal continued serving the Lord as a gifted Bible study teacher in the church and various community groups and managing the Lifeway stores in Arlington and Flower Mound. 

Neal had a heart for ministry, and his generosity knew no bounds. He travelled to Africa and Japan on mission trips and was a Chaplain with the Dallas Police Department. He always looked for ways to share the message of the Gospel, whether in word or deed, with everyone he met. 

Neal was well-loved for his sense of humor and genuine heart. He treated his neighbors and daughters’ friends as extensions of his own family, and his door was always open. He was well known for his “talking eyebrows”, Donald Duck impersonation, and rendition of the Prodigal Son in the Key of F. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren adored him, and even from his hospital bed, he made others laugh. His smile lit up any room he entered. 

Neal is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carolyn Dixon Clary; sister Teresa Culbertson of California; three daughters, Natalie Dailey (Scott), Jennifer Ticer (Gary), and Kristen Hatcher (Blayne); nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.