Ernest Neal
January 17, 1940 - March 4, 2019

Ernest Eldred Neal, affectionately known as "Junior", "Reds" and "Shrampa" was born January 17, 1940 in San Ignacio, Cayo District in Belize, Central America. He was one of seven children and the only son born to Ernest Neal, Sr. and Mildred Neal (nee Simpson). As a youth he attended Church of the Nazarene in Belize City, Belize where he first met the love of his life, Eleanor (also known as Audrey). He later studied at Nazarene Bible College in Benque Viejo, Belize.

In 1968 he migrated to the United States and shortly after was reacquainted with Audrey. They were married September 12, 1975 and lived in New York City. They had one son, Ernest Dwayne who was the apple of his eye and Ernest loved and cared for his step-daughter, Colleen as his own.

Ernest loved cars, especially V8 engines and candy apple red was his favorite car color. This lead to a career as an auto-mechanic and he was known to work on vehicles well into his 70s. He was an avid reader and you would often find him with a book written by his favorite authors - Lee Child, John Grisham and James Patterson. Ernest loved all sports and while the Mets, Rangers, Knicks and Giants were his favorite teams; he was always be found in his favorite chair watching whatever game was on.

He lived in New York for 27 years and in 1995 moved to South Florida to enjoy retirement. He decided to keep active and worked part-time, Ernest most enjoyed his time at United Cerebral Palsy Association where he fostered great friendships. He especially loved his time with his grandchildren and they all knew if there was anything they needed or wanted "Shrampa" was just a phone call away.

Although, he had several health challenges over the years, Ernest was known for his warm spirit; and was a perpetual jokester who enjoyed putting a smile on the faces of his friends and family.

Ernest was called home on Monday, March 4th, 2019 at the age of 79. He is survived by his loving wife Audrey; children Ernest and Colleen; son in law Winston; sisters Myrna, Lorraine, Doreen and Sonia; grandchildren Ian, Xavier, Alyssa, and Elijah; and many nieces, nephews and cousins in Belize and the United States. Ernest was preceded in death by both parents and sisters Anita and Norma.

Tributes