JT “Johnny” Neal Jr.
Neal, 81
JT “Johnny” Neal Jr. of Pearsall died in Fort Worth, Texas, on Saturday, June 19, at the age of 81.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Agnes Neal; children Tammy Neal, JT Neal III and daughter-in-law Sandra, Johna Neal-Baker and son-in-law T. Ray Baker; grandchildren Mattie Alexander and husband Clay, JT Neal IV, Gavin Baker, Jackson Baker, Jami Tunnell and family; and great-grandchildren Logan and Lilah Alexander.
Neal was known in his career as a cattleman, water well man, San Antonio Livestock Show supporter, and 4H and FFA supporter.
He was born in Pearsall on October 8, 1939, to JT “Shorty” Neal and Lucille Cooper Neal. After living in Laredo until he was 8 years old, the Neal family moved back to Pearsall to continue in the ranching business. He graduated from Pearsall High School and joined his father and uncle to continue the family legacy of cattle trading.
Johnny met Agnes Robbins at Garner State Park in 1957; the couple married in 1959.
Johnny was renowned for his stories of ranching in Mexico and South Texas, gathering cattle with no more than one cowboy and a dog, working on windmills and water wells; and his political discussions. He proudly continued cattle ranching until his death and was honored often during his career by the Frio County Soil Conservation Service for his expertise in range management and conservation.
He was also known for the success of his business, JAAR Water Well Service, which he developed through his ranching background and communication skills.
Neal was an avid volunteer for the Frio County Junior Livestock Show and served as its president for a number of years; and worked in the lamb barn at the San Antonio livestock Show. His hobbies included spinning horsehair rope and narrating at the Texas Folklife Festival in San Antonio. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Pearsall and served on many boards during his lifetime.
A celebration of life memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 10, at the First United Methodist Church in Pearsall. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Johnny’s memory to Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch, 600 SW 11th Avenue, Amarillo, Texas 79101.
