Marvin Christopher Neal, Jr.

Marvin C. "Bubba" Neal, Jr. passed away quietly on April 6, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin C. Neal, Sr. and Myrtle Latham Neal. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Shelby Bolling Neal; sister, Barbara Neal Swindell; brother, Thomas Gray Neal (Margaret); and son, R. Christopher Neal (Sharon); grandchildren, Michael Laymen (Suzie), Christopher Neal (Kristina), Sarah Neal-Slattum (Will), and MaryCatherine Neal; great-grandchildren, Vincent and Arthur Layman, and Finley Neal; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Marvin "Bubba" Neal was born and raised in Hopewell, Virginia. He worked for his father and delivered groceries for their family market as a young boy. He graduated from Hopewell High School in 1957, and Randolph-Macon College in 1962, with a degree in Economics. Following graduation, Bubba went to work for the state of Virginia, then at Allied Chemical, before beginning his career in the grocery business at Randolph Market with his father and brother. Bubba spent many years working at the market and retired at the age of 54 when he sold his stake in the company to his son, Chris.

Bubba was a member of the Masonic Lodge DuPont No. 289, and he served on the Board of the Recreation Commission for many years. He was a member of Woodlawn Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder for many years.

Bubba enjoyed fishing, coaching his son's little league baseball and basketball teams, and watching his son and grandchildren in their sporting events. Bubba also enjoyed professional football and college sports. He was a devoted fan of the Washington Commanders and the University of Virginia, and would make an effort to see every televised sporting event for both teams. Bubba was just as devoted to his family and will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Woodlawn Presbyterian Church in his memory.

The family will hold a memorial service on May 11, 2024, at 11:00 am, at Woodlawn Presbyterian Church, 1201 Blackstone Ave, Hopewell, VA 23860, with a reception to follow to greet family and friends.