Neal (Johnny) Wallace

Born August 18, 1932, in Chambers County, Alabama, Neal was given one name at birth. His Mother named him Neal after his uncle, Neal Wallace, however it was his oldest brother Willie (Buck) who gave him the name Johnny.  

At an early age, Neal joined the Pilgram Baptist Church and attended Lanier High School, both in Lanett, Alabama. Following school and a move to Louisville, Kentucky, Neal enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving during the Korean and Vietnam wars. He retired after twenty years of service with the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer (E8).  

After retiring from the Navy, Neal and his family made their home in Long Beach, California. Neal later moved back to Louisville in 2009, returning to California in 2017, before settling back into Long Beach again in 2021.  

Neal passed peacefully on October 3, 2023. 

Preceding him in death was his wife of thirty-five years Joan, his son Micheal, his parents Rev.  Clanton and Mrs. Viola Wallace, his brothers William, Clanton JR, and JC, and his sisters Sarah Tobias, Bessie Bonmon, Juanita Stephenson, and Jean White.  
 
Those left to mourn his passing are his sons Alex (Jane), Neal JR, and Tyrone (Martha), grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, additional relatives and friends.  

On October 26, 2023, at Forest Lawn, Cypress, California, visitation will take place from 8:30AM to 10:30AM, followed by a service honoring Neal’s life at 11:30AM.