Neal Dorroh Sr.

Gerald O’Neal “Neal” Dorroh, Sr., 100, of Tupelo, Mississippi peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, February 11, surrounded by family.  Neal was born to James Zachary and Lois George Dorroh on September 21, 1923, in Tupelo. A graduate of Saltillo High School, Neal faithfully and honorably served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II as a combat engineer, assigned to the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division.  Following his military service and formal training to become a tool and die maker, Neal married Eileen Hill of Tupelo on March 26, 1949. While living in Mississippi, Neal was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Tupelo and Masonic Lodge 318. In 1960, Neal and Eileen moved to Alabama to pursue career goals, most notably with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and later the Ford Motor Company. During that time, he served as a deacon for the First Baptist Church of Florence. In 1991, Neal and Eileen returned to Tupelo to reconnect with family and old friends and rejoined the First Baptist Church of Tupelo, where he also served as a deacon. Neal most recently held the title of oldest living member of First Baptist Church, which is now passed to his sister-in-law, Mary Hill. 

To know him was to love him. Neal was a hard worker and always on his feet. He retired on multiple occasions and finally in 1998 at the age of 75. He continued to serve his country as a polling place worker, helping to ensure accessible voting for community members. Neal grew up as a farmer. In his adult years, he was a dedicated gardener who never failed to produce a beautiful harvest of okra, purple hull peas and tomatoes. He shared his joy of making homemade pecan pies and peach ice cream with his family. He had a sweetness that poured out through his actions and he loved his family well.

In eternal life, Neal joins his bride of 64 years, Eileen Hill Dorroh; his parents, James Zachary and Lois George Dorroh; and his sisters, Helen Dorroh Posey and Catherine Dorroh Ramey.

 He is survived by his children Joy Dorroh Hubbard (Dennis) of Tupelo, and Gerald O’Neal “Neal” Dorroh, Jr. (Jennifer) of Copperas Cove, Texas; his grandchildren Abigail Hubbard Stowell (Michael) of Thomasville, Georgia, Meaghan Dorroh Johnson (Will) of Skokie, Illinois and Ryan O’Neal Dorroh (Emily) of Jacksonville, Florida; his great-grandchildren Max Lamar Stowell, Miles Dorroh Stowell, and Charlie Scott Stowell of Thomasville, Georgia; his sister Clifford Dorroh Parker of Batesville, Arkansas; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 1 until 2 p.m., February 15, 2024 at Pegues, Tupelo followed by a service at 2 p.m. at the Jefferson Street Chapel with Rev. Ricky Young officiating and Masonic Rites. A graveside will follow at Lee Memorial Park in Verona.

Pallbearers include: Ryan Dorroh, Will Johnson, Gwin Berryhill, Tony Barkley, Lewie Frazier, Luke Frazier and Chris Crawford.

Honorary Pallbearers are members of Neal’s Sunday School class.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Enhabit Hospice, especially Aubrie, R.N., Courtney, Ulanda, and Chaplain John. Also we thank the caregivers at The Manor on Lawndale for the excellent care given to Neal during his last days, Mattie, Jackie, Brandi, Angela, Haley, Nancy, Amy, Debra, Mae Lynn, Jackie, Katrina, and Dee Dee.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Meals on Wheels in care of Methodist Senior Services, P.O. Box 1567, Tupelo MS 38802; or the American Cancer Society, 1800 W. Main Street, Tupelo, MS 38801 www. cancer.org

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be shared at PeguesFuneralHome.com