James Walter Neal, 73, of Hollywood, Maryland peacefully departed this life on February 5, 2014, at home surrounded by his family. He was born on May 29, 1940 to the late Frank P. Neal and Mary Estelle Neal in Leonardtown, Maryland.

"Walt" is survived by his wife Ella whom he married 50 years ago in the District of Columbia. Their union produced two children, Joyce Neal of Chaptico and Jay Neal (Caroline) of Owings, Maryland and five grandchildren (Sydey, Rian, Mekhi, Grant, and Jada).

He was preceded in death by his brother John Neal, and leaves two siblings Alice Showell and George Neal with a lifetime of memories to cherish.

Walt graduated from Banneker in 1959 and attended Morgan State College. He served his country for 3 years in the Army from 1961- 1964. While in the Army he was a member of the Ballistic Research Team that was charged with investigating John F. Kennedy's assassination.

Walt was a lifelong resident of St. Mary's county and dedicated himself to serving the community. In the mid 1960's he became one of the first African Americans to become a member of the volunteer rescue squad. He continued to serve in that role until his illness. He was an employee of St. Mary's Hospital for some 47 years where he was known not only for his meticulous work and attention to detail, but for his easy going smile and soft spoken manner.

He held many appointments to various boards and commissions over the many years which included the St. Mary's Hospital Board of Directors, the Building Committee for the Carter Building, the Extension Service Advisory Board, the St. Mary's Hospital Renovation Committee, the St. Mary's County Board of Social Services, the Fair Board, and the Agricultural Land Preservation Committee.

He participated in numerous Christmas in April projects. Many neighbors benefitted from his generous spirit when he would push snow and clear driveways refusing to accept any type of payment. He took pride in his garden and shared the fruits of his labor with friends and family alike. He was constantly improving and perfecting his wine making skills.

When not working, he avidly pursued other hobbies. He grew up farming and love of the land never left him. A local historian in his own way and an avid photographer, Walt collected a series of his own photographs from the 1970's to make a slide show collection documenting tobacco growing in Southern Maryland.

Joining the Southern Maryland Antique Power Association gave him an outlet to express his enjoyment of old tractors with like other minded enthusiasts and allowed him the ability to greatly expand his tractor collection. He was the founder of the tractor parade in Leonardtown, MD.

His happiest times were spent with his five grandchildren. He relished any opportunity to spend time with them.

The family will receive friends on Monday, February 10, 2014 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM with prayers recited at 7:00 PM followed by Rescue Squad prayers at 7:15 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM in St. Aloysius Catholic Church Leonardtown, MD with Father David Beaubien officiating, con celebrating Father Rory Conley. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens Leonardtown, MD. Pallbearers; Jay Neal, John Neal, Paul White, Treavor Rose, John Thompson, and Henry Johnson.

Contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650, and/or the Leonardtown Vol. Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 299, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD.