Dr. Ira T. Neal

Ira Tinsley Neal, Ed.D., age 91, of Evansville, Indiana, transitioned peacefully on September 20, 2023. Dr. Neal was one of eight children born to James and Ogie (Tinsley) Neal on November 14, 1931, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Greta M. Miller, and his seven siblings.

Dr. Neal was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather dedicated to his family and is survived by his beloved wife of over 70 years, Jacqueline Wiley Neal, his three beloved granddaughters, Kristin Tinsley Givens Finch (Paul), Jennifer Renee Miller, and Courtney Rhodes Greer (Lance), two great-granddaughters, Kylah and Kamryn Rhodes, and one great-grandson, Kaden Rhodes, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews. Dr. Neal was also considered an uncle, mentor, trusted advisor, and friend to many young people in the Evansville community and beyond.

As a devoted Christian of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Evansville, he served as a Trustee, Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and choir member for over 70 years. Dr. Neal served honorably in the United States Army, was a Korean War Veteran, and he served in the Indiana National Guard, and the U.S. Army Reserve.

Dr. Neal was a graduate of the University of Evansville, where he earned a B.S. Degree in Elementary Education. He furthered his education at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, with a master’s degree in School Administration and Supervision and earned his doctorate in Education from Nova Southeastern University.

His civic affiliations are too numerous to mention all, but included being a Life member of the NAACP and the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, served as a Trustee of Vincennes University, was a Board Member of the American Red Cross, served as President of the Legal Aid Society, served on the nominating commission of the Vanderburgh County Judicial Nominating Commission, and was a member of the American Association for Affirmative Action, as well as the National Alliance of Black School Educators.

For many decades, Dr. Neal worked for the Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation in many different positions, serving in many roles including as a teacher, the Integration Advisory Specialist, and as the Director of Federal Projects. Dr. Neal had a life-long mission of assisting in the recruiting of minority teachers and administrators. He also served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern Indiana, teaching courses in education, cultural diversity, and human relations. Dr. Neal produced numerous musicals/plays and many other productions for Black History Month and beyond for the Evansville Community. Additionally, Dr. Neal possessed an entrepreneurial spirit, and over his lifetime he was a partner in several small businesses.

Words really cannot express the impact Dr. Neal has had on so many, and his family would like to express their sincere gratitude for those friends and family who continued to visit and support he and his wife over the years. His shoes will be impossible to fill.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Dr. Ira T. Neal Memorial Scholarship Fund through Old National Bank. Contributions can be mailed to Old National Bank, One Main St. PO Box 718, Evansville, IN 47705, or in person at any Old National Bank branch location.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Heritage Center and Heritage Hospice Care for treating our grandfather, uncle and friend like a member of their own families.