Ernest Neal, Sr.

Ernest Wayne Neal, Sr., 66, of Webberville, passed away Friday, May 3, 2019.  Survived by his wife, Ester.  Family and Friends will gather at the Elgin Funeral Home on Friday, May 10th from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM.  A Home Going Celebration will be conducted at the Elgin Funeral Home on Saturday, May 11th at 10:00 AM.  Interment will follow at the J.J. Manor Hill Cemetery, Webberville, Texas.

Mr. Ernest Wayne Neal, Sr ., a long life-time resident of Texas and on May 3, 2019, the community began to mourn the passing of a strong man who maintained dignity manhood while facing life’s trials and triumphs. He was born August 18, 1952, to Hulon Arthur Neal, Sr. and Willie Otha (Colvin) Neal in Austin, Texas. Ernest Wayne accepted Christ at an early age at Saint Elmo Baptist Church. He graduated from A.S. Johnston High School in 1970 and soon after, pursued a trade in auto mechanics.

“A Time To Plant”

Wayne sowed a good seed and became an upright God – fearing man. On June 19, 1977, Wayne was united in Holy Matrimony to Ester Mae Williams and their union was blessed with four beautiful children, Sonya, Ernest, Jr., Saundra, and Quincy, whom they loved and cherished dearly.

“A Time To Work and Play”

Mr. Ernest Wayne was a hard working man, providing for his family and ruling with a strong hand.  One of his many jobs was driving for Capital Metro, a little boy’s dream of being a bus driver.  Afterward about a year and a half he gained interest in the tow truck business. Learning all he could about auto salvaging, he was able to start his own business:“Uncle Wayne’s Auto Salvage” in Mustang Ridge, Texas.  Due to health problems, Ernest had to close his business but remained a mechanic consultant for his friends and colleagues.  He often performed small mechanics jobs for his children and other family members offering advice as he worked. Ernest loved his family and enjoyed being the bar-b-que man. He loved entertaining and being the boss.  So everyone knew when the community smelled the smoke of that mesquite, oak, pecan, or hickory wood, it was time to engage in some good eating, good family fun and laughter.

“A Time To Die”

Wayne led an active and fulfilling life and this legacy he established is priceless. This occasion has caused many hearts to bleed and many eyes to water because of having to bid “adieu” to a strong Black man.  Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Mary Sauls, and his brothers, Hulon Arthur Neal, Jr., John Henry Neal, Sr., Marvin Eugene Neal, Sr., and Charles Ray Neal.

“A Time To Celebrate”

Wayne’s life story will be cherished by his wife of forty – one  years, Ester Mae Neal, his children, Sonya De’Shai and her husband, Jonathan Acosta, Ernest Wayne Neal, Jr. “Red” and his wife, Jennifer, Saundra LaChele Neal, and Quincy Bryson Neal; four grandchildren, that he loved just as much as he did his children, Juwan Marquez Acosta, Jacoby Wayne Neal, Andrew Jessie Neal, and CaMia Aayanna-Marchele Gordon-Acosta; five siblings, Johnny Knight, Joyce Clark, Evelyn Austin all of Austin, Mable Sheppard of Humble, and Otis Neal, Sr. of Tomball; a large number of in-laws; and a host of other relatives and friends. Wayne came from a very large family with deep roots, yielding five generations of nieces, nephews, and cousins; the list goes on and on. He loved so many and would give his last.

Ernest Wayne may be gone in body, but his spirit still lives.