Obituary for Joseph McNeal

Joseph Reed (McNeal) McNeal

July 28, 1956 ~ July 29, 2021 (age 65)

Joseph Reed McNeal, former Ponca City and Tonkawa resident and current resident of Tulsa, passed on July 30, 2021, in his Tulsa home at the age of 65 years of age.

Joseph was born in Corning, Iowa on July 28, 1956, to George Russell McNeal and Betty Delema Gill. The family moved to Ponca City, Oklahoma in 1964 when Joe was 8 years old. After graduating from Ponca City Senior High School, he then attended Northern Oklahoma College where he earned an Associates in Arts degree with a concentration in music. He performed with NOC’s Roustabouts, singing, playing the drums and trumpet. He often was asked to perform his Elvis Presley impersonation for the shows.

He met Pamela Sue Haines while at Northern Oklahoma College. They married a year after Joe graduated from NOC in 1977. They were truly a match made in heaven. A year later, Joseph legally adopted Pam’s daughter, Angie. In 1984, Joe and Pam were led to move to Tulsa and begin a gospel music group with friends, called Free at Last. Then from 1988 to 1998, they served in music ministry at Rose Hill United Methodist Church. From 1998 to 2001 they served at Our Savior Lutheran Church. They ministered together at Sheridan Christian Center, in Tulsa until 2004.

From 2004 to 2015 they served in music ministry part-time with long-time friend, Robert McGuire, and the New Song gospel music group in public appearances, as well as video and sound recordings. Joe continued with the musical group as a percussionist and vocalist. In 2016, Joe began working as a product sales representative with Coca Cola in their Tulsa offices.

For those who knew Joseph (Joe), they knew him to be an exceptional man. He was kind to others; his sense of humor and subtle jokes lightened the mood of any room; and he loved those closest to him deeply. He was a most honorable man with an integrity of the greatest magnitude. He was a loyal and loving husband to his wife of 38 years. He was a devoted, kind, and steadfast father to his stepdaughter for 44 years. His love for God, his faithfulness to follow Him, and his and Pam’s musical talent allowed them to touch many lives as they ministered in song together for over 30 years. He was a man who followed Jesus’ commandment from Mark 12:30-31 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.” He will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, George Russell McNeal in 1993 and Betty Delema McNeal in 2017, and his wife, Pamala Sue McNeal in 2015.

Joseph is survived by his daughter, Angie Almeyda, and husband Xavier F. Almeyda, 3 grandchildren, Chelcie Almeyda Rodgers, and husband Kye Rodgers, Emilie Almeyda, and Xavier V. Almeyda and great granddaughter Raina Rodgers, of Venice, FL; his brother: Jack McNeal of Ponca City, OK, his sister, Gwen McMahill and husband Rick McMahill of Raleigh, N. Carolina. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, August 13th at Grace Memorial Chapel from 4:00 to 6:00.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 14, 2021, at Grace Memorial Chapel in Ponca City with minister Robert McGuire presiding. For immediate family, interment of the ashes will occur prior to memorial services in the Ponca City I.O.O.F. Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Pam’s name may be made to the Northern Oklahoma College Foundation in memory of Joe and Pam. The funds will go toward a scholarship opportunity for young musicians. This foundation has been in operation since 2016 when Joe created it, and it has blessed many young students as they have pursued a degree in music. Checks should be made to the NOC Foundations, 1220 East Grand, Tonkawa, Oklahoma, 74653.

Online condolences may be done in Joseph’s name to www.gracememorialchapel.net