John Neal Harding was born in Houston, Texas on July 11, 1942, to Cecil and Avis Harding. He went to heaven on July 4, 2024. Neal grew up in Pasadena and moved to Huntsville to attend Sam Houston State University, where he met his wife Jeanette. They were married for more than 60 years.

While attending school, Neal began his career with the Texas Department of Corrections in 1964 and retired with 29 years of service.

Neal loved fishing, hunting, camping, and woodworking. He and Jeanette enjoyed traveling in their RV and spending time with their children and grandchildren.

Neal's greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Jeanette; his children, Chris Harding, Candace Bruce, and Karen Hall; his son-in-law, Eric Hall; his daughter-in-law, Linda Harding; and, his brother Kenneth Harding and wife, Beverly. Neal was also a proud grandfather to Ryan Hall, Matthew Bruce, Andrew Bruce, Bennett Bruce, Cristin Resnick, and Carl Culver, as well as seven great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Avis Harding, and his son-in-law, Steven Bruce.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, from 10:30 - 11:30am at Heritage Oak Funeral Home in Huntsville.  A private burial will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.