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Official Obituary of

Neal Ray McPherson

May 17, 1950 ~ October 19, 2024 (age 74) 74 Years Old

Neal McPherson Obituary

Neal McPherson Obituary Neal Ray McPherson, age 74 of Herrin, Illinois, passed away Saturday, October 19, 2024 at Carbondale Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Neal was born Wednesday, May 17, 1950 in Amarillo, Texas, a son of Joel Watson and Leona Inez (Martin) McPherson. A contractor by trade, Neal's passionate hobby was horses. Neal was affectionately known as the "Real Deal Neal", riding horses across the country. His passion for horses and expertise as a rider earned him the nickname "The Real Deal Neal". Neal's authenticity, compassion, and spirit will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue.

He is survived by his daughter, Brittany Crumby of Herrin; son, Joel Burns McPherson of Marion; brother, Joel Roland (Erma) McPherson of Amarillo, Texas; brother, Jesse McPherson of Herrin; brother, Frank McPherson of Houston, Texas; sister, Judy Spiller of Energy; adopted grandchild, Mikayla Sailliez of Herrin; ex-wife, Christie Wickham of Herrin; ex-wife, Kim Burns of Marion; best friends, Charles "PeeWee" Meneese of Carbondale and Ray Dean "Topper" Hamby of Herrin; several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and many beloved friends.

Neal was preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law- Victoria McPherson, sister-in-law- Nora McPherson, and brother-in-law- Darrell Spiller.

Celebration of Life services will be held at a later date and will be announced as service details become available.

Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin is honored to have been called to serve the family. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.johnsonhughes.com or call 618-942-3102.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Neal Ray McPherson, please visit our floral store.


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