Kenneth Layne Neal

Kenneth Layne Neal, 70, of Smithville passed away on Sunday, August 20, 2023 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.  He was born in Dekalb County, TN and lived there all his life.  Survivors include his beautiful wife of 21 years Jeanette Neal; children Jeremy (Jamie) Neal of Smithville, Jason Neal (Abigail Laprad) of Cookeville, Candi West of Smithville.  Grandchildren Deeanna Neal, MacKenzie Neal, Jakeb Neal, Hunter (Hannah) Byford, Courtney Byford, Kayleigh West, Hanniah West and his beloved dog and sidekick Cookie.  Brothers, David (Gloria) Neal, Jimmy (Carolyn) Neal, Danny Neal; Sisters, Nina Lawrence, Diane (Danny) Evans, and Betty (Glenn) Byford and a Brother-in-law Donald Knowles.  Several nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.  Special Friends: Jimmy & Carolyn Agee, Jerry Pollard, Brian Agee, Phillip Pryor and Brian Lovett.  He was preceded in death by his parents Grady Austin (Emmo Jean) Neal, and sister Donna Kay Knowles.  Kenneth was retired from Federal Mogul and was a member of Outreach Baptist Church. He enjoyed may things in life including gardening, hunting, fishing at the lake, camping with loved ones, being with his dog Cookie and grand-dog Groot. He was a Boy Scout Master for several years and touched so many lives. He loved making everyone smile, laugh and he never met a stranger.  Most of all he loved spending time with family, friends, and church family.  Kenneth’s wishes were to be cremated and his ashes remain with his beautiful wife until her passing. Then their ashes will be spread together. There will be a celebration of life, but the date has not been made at this time.  This information provided as a courtesy of DeKalb Funeral Chapel.  

“It isn’t what we leave behind, it’s what we leave in people’s hearts that count.”

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