Smith Funeral Directors, Inc. | Nashville, TN

Obituary For Rev. Marvin Neal

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Marvin Neal was born in Peoria, Illinois, on May 29,1961, to Percy Neal, Sr. and Florence Kyles Neal, who preceded him in death. Marvin passed away on Tuesday morning, June 14, 2022, after a battle with cancer, surrounded by his immediate family.

Growing up in Peoria, Marvin was a member of New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church. He attended Manual High School, where he excelled in various sports and was known for his outstanding athletic achievements. He is remembered as #22 for the Manual HighSchool Rams.

He was awarded a football scholarship to the University of Wisconsin (still wearing the #22) and had a stellar athletic career, winning four letters and scoring the first touchdown in the Wisconsin Badgers’ memorable upset of top-ranking Michigan in the 1981 season opener. Marvin graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Arts degree. In 1988, Marvin acknowledged his calling to Christian ministry. He earned the Bachelor of Theology degree summa cum laude in 1992 from American Baptist College. He later enrolled in the Vanderbilt University Divinity School to further prepare for ministry, pursuing the Master of Divinity degree. He is survived by his loving family, including his devoted wife of nearly 37 years, Sherri.

Public visitation, Thursday, June 23,2022 , 3-7 p.m. with Omega Psi Phi Ceremony to follow. Family visitation, Friday, June 24, 2022 11-12pm with Funeral service to follow, all will be held at Westwood Baptist Church-University Center, 2510 Albion Street, Nashville TN. Pastor Barton Harris. Due to limited seating capacity and COVID precautions, it is highly encouraged that you join the funeral service via livestream. http://www.westwoodbcuc.org. Masks will be required at the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider a donation to American Baptist College. For more information visit:https://abcnash.edu/give/

Smith Funeral Directors Inc (615)726-1476

Guest Book

Dear Sheri, I am saddened by the loss of your husband. You and your family have my heartfelt sympathy and prayers. Love and Blessings, Janice Brewington

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Sherri, our sympathy and heartfelt condolences are extended to you and the family. May God be with you during this difficult time. We pray that Marvin's memories will be cherished and his works continue to benefit all those that he touched during his wonderful spiritual journey. Vicki and I love you. Blessings and healing is our prayer! Al Barker

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Sherri, my heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this time of grief and mourning. You have many friends, family members, and colleagues who are keeping you close in their thoughts and prayers. Patricia Knight

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Sherri, My wife Omaira & I send our most heartfelt condolences to you and the rest of your family. We have all of you in our prayers. Barry & Omaira Kimmons

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May God Comfort You Mrs Shirley And The Family.Our Prayer's Are With You!!! The Community Center

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Prayer's To The Family.May God's Love Comfort You With Memories knowing You Have An Angel That Will Always Be With You. Pastor Neal You Were A Great Mentor To The Kids In John Henry Hale A Blessing .We Thank You For The Gift That God Has Given You!You Will Be Miss.Thank God For You!!🙏

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Sherri we both send our love and support to you during this time and you know in the future as well. Love and prayers to you from John Blackwell and Terry Terrell

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To my friend and brother we grew up in Peoria so sad many good times to the family may god bless y'all Keith Haynes and family

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Soror Sherri...I am sending AKA sisterly love to you and your family. I treasure many heartfelt memories that I will hold near and dear to my heart from our good times with you and Marvin at UW Madison. Hold to God's Unchanging Hand. He will comfort you and provide every need. I love you Soror. Michelle Belnavis Friend Of the Prude/Neal Families June 18, 2022

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She Sherri and the family my prayers go out to you. Marvin always had a smile on his face and was always laughing. I always felt joy whenever I was around him. Sherri and Marvin were my neighbors many years ago and he always a Wisconsin Badger. Rest in peace neighbor. Love Jan Hodges

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My condolences to the family. May God continue to comfort you while strengthening you. Pastor Edward hatch

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I am so sorry for your loss. I met Marvin the evening the two of us were confirmed on the commission. He was so kind to me that evening and it felt great to meet a new friend. It was an honor to come to know Marvin a little bit and serve with him these last few years. His kindness and smile will forever be remembered.

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Sherri, my wife and I have been praying for you and your family. May the memories of your life together and the presence of the Holy Spirit provide some comfort in your immense loss. "The death of his faithful servants is precious to the Lord." (Psalm 116: 15) -- Dennis Melton

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Sherri and Family: Our hearts break for your loss and the unfillable void Marvin leaves in his family and the community to which he dedicated his life, time and godly gifts. May the Lord cover you all with peace and resilience during this difficult time and in the days and months to come. Much love to you all, The Matallana Family.

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Sherry, you and your family are in my prayers and thoughts during this difficult time. Pastor Neal was one of my favorite teachers in Bible Study and Sunday School. He had a great sense of humor and will be missed. God bless all of you. Francesca Munoz

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Sending prayers and love to Sherri and family. Rest in peace Marvin, in the glory of our Lord. Lourdes & Pete Garrido

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Sending love and peace to the family of Rev Marvin Neal! Thinking of you Mrs Sherri and Charity as well as their sons! Jakiya Thacker

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It was an honor and a privilege to serve on a government commission with Reverend Marvin Neal. He was always kind to everyone and took and interest the problems of all of Nashville. I always looked forward to talking sports with him, especially football. The world has lost a very fine man who was a good neighbor to all and lived the teachings of Jesus. I know heaven is rejoicing but we will sorely miss Reverend Neal b Saralee Terry Woods

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I'm so sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences to you and your entire family.

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Praying for you Sherri and the rest of the Neal family. I'm heartbroken for all of you. Kelly Furbee

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My condolences to the family. You are in my prayers. Sonya McNeil

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Prayer and condolences to the family. He will be missed by many.

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Sending sincerest condolences to the Neal family. Pastor Neal (and Sister Neal) were such a blessing in our lives. In so many significant and important moments of my life he was a part (beginning of my spiritual journey in Nashville, marriage, birth of my children, career decisions, community presentations, financial challenges and financial successes), etc. I will never forget the blessed opportunity to have met him. May God be pleased with Pastor Neal's work on earth. 💛

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Cuz you will be missed! You were a Blessing and a leader of God to all. Words can't describe how sad I am to hear of Your passing. Prayers and love to Sherri and family! Love and Peace!

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I remember Marvin 60th birthday celebration, he,Sherri and all the family were the best host ever, i think i became an honorary Neal that day! #gone but never forgotten, RIP Myron and Sandra Goggins

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My condolences to the family my prayers are with you

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My prayers and love are with you, Sherri. The earthly work is done. Marvin is at peace and you are too knowing that he is in the hands of the Lord. Neal Family, keep praying and loving one another as Marvin taught you to do. ~Robin D.

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Fly high, we miss you already, thank you for all you ever need taught and preached through the years!

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One of my favorite sermons by Pastor Neal was he got his crown. At the end of it he put that big handkerchief over is head and side you see my crown? Pastor Neal you got your crown. May blessing be with family and look to God for your added strength. He will be missed but not forgotten. Love you guys to the moon and back. Be blessed!

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Smith Funeral Directors, Inc. | Nashville, TN