Lewis Denman (Denny) McNeal, 82, passed away on August 1, 2018, at his home in Abilene. Graveside services will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 4, 2018, at Elliott Hamil Garden of Memories in Abilene, under the direction of Bailey Howard Funeral Home of Clyde. The body will lie in state on Friday and from 10:00 a.m. until noon on Saturday at The Hamil Family Funeral Home in Abilene.

Denny was born October 4, 1935, in Sweetwater, Texas, to Joseph and Mary Ruth (Montgomery) McNeal. Growing up, he had a love for helping on funeral services. He attended Sweetwater schools but had to stop and help his mother make a living. He later finished school by correspondence classes. His first job was with Patterson Funeral Home in Sweetwater. He worked for grocery stores, J.C. Penney and Cate-Spencer Funeral Home in Sweetwater. While working in Sweetwater he took an active part in making Sweetwater grow. He was secretary of the Sweetwater Jaycees when the Rattlesnake Round-Up was organized.

When J.C. Penney closed in Sweetwater, he was transferred to the Abilene store and started working part time at Elliot-Hamil Funeral Home. In 1971, he left J.C. Penney and started working full time at Elliot-Hamil. In 2007, he went to work with the Hamil's son, Robert Hamil, at the Hamil Family Funeral Home in Abilene until he retired in August of 2010.

Denny was a 32nd Degree Mason, Abilene Lodge 559, and Scottish Rite Temple of Waco. He has been a member of Hillcrest Church of Christ since 1998.

Denny is survived by his wife of 37 years, Teddy (Rogers) McNeal; step-daughter, Deanna Mason; step-son John and wife Satako Igo; ten grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren; brother-in-law, J. Mike Rogers and wife Bonnie; several cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Daphene; and by his son-in-law, Jim Mason.

The family would like to thank Hendrick Hospice and all the nurses who helped during his illness.