At the age of 63, Alton O'Neal Humphrey Jr. of Hockley, Texas, passed away due to cancer on March 25, 2025 surrounded by his loving family,

He was born on October 18, 1961, in Wadena, Minnesota. As a child, Neal's family moved frequently due to his father's military career, ultimately settling in Florida in 1971. He graduated from Rutherford High School in Panama City, Florida, in 1980, where he served as class president and competed in wrestling. He attended Troy State University for two years before beginning his career in aviation. Neal worked as an Air Traffic Controller from 1982 until his retirement in 2017.

Neal is survived by his wife Melinda; his parents, Alton and Janis; his siblings, Dawn and David; his ten children: David and wife Beth; Rachel and husband Jared; Katie and husband Spencer; Katelin and husband John; Jeremy and wife Kaylie; Kristi and husband Randy; Mandi and husband Kameel; Austin and wife Brooke; Neal, and Annie; and his twenty grandchildren.

Neal's life revolved around serving God and loving his family. He always beamed with pride any time members of his family gathered together for meals or parties. His children and in-laws would often get pulled aside to admire Neal's latest home improvement project or building addition. At family gatherings he was sure to never let the coffee run dry or dirty dishes stack up. Anytime butter was served, he lathered on copious amounts, claiming it helped to "lubricate his joints."

At church, Neal was known as the first person to greet anyone new, and loved to make people feel welcome. He served as a Deacon for many years at Southwinds Baptist Church and led a Bible Study with his wife, Melinda, in their home. They served in the youth together for many years, and more recently he also played guitar for the worship team.

Neal loved woodworking and had a woodshop for many years where he built furniture that was displayed throughout the home. He also spent many mornings on bike rides with his kids, or playing ball in the backyard. He was a serious competitor no matter what he was doing, and loved turning everything into a competition. He had to know how far you could skip a rock, who can make the furthest shot in basketball, or who can name that band. He loved music and knew the name of every classic rock band and lead singer. He also made sure that all his children had the opportunity to learn to play an instrument, and frequently instructed them on the correct timing of a song.

Neal's kids and grandkids will always remember him serving donuts in the morning, and going for ice-cream ranger rides with Grandpa in the evening. He was quick to organize family competitions, whether it be a ping pong tournament or a family wiffle ball game in the west pasture. A stickler for quality, any family helping around the house knew his pictures would be hung level and his fences would be built straight. No tree on Neal's property was safe, and it was not uncommon for a visit to his land to reveal a fresh batch of pruned limbs and deforested woods.

Neal leaves behind a tremendously rich heritage of Godly love and spiritual devotion. He was beloved by all, and will be looked to as an example to follow by his family for generations to come.