Green Belton Neal

Green Belton Neal obituary, Hopkins, SC

Green Belton Neal

Green Neal Obituary

Visit the Legacy Remembers website to view the full obituary.
Dr. Green B. Neal, MD was the oldest of four children of the late Reverend Choatte R. Neal, Sr. and the late LaVerne Kohn Neal of Hopkins, South Carolina. He was born September 4, 1946 in Hopkins, and he entered eternal rest on October 25, 2024.

Dr. Neal attended the public schools of Richland County, South Carolina and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Columbia, South Carolina in 1963. He received his Bachelor of Science degree Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in 1966 from Benedict College, where he graduated magna cum laude. He went on to attend Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa and received the Master of Medical Science in Biochemistry and Doctorate of Medicine (MD) in 1971. Dr. Neal dedicated several more years to graduate and specialized training in Internal Medicine and Cardiology, including Internal Medicine residency at George W. Hubbard Hospital, and a distinguished Cardiology Fellowship at Vanderbilt Medical Center Division of Cardiology in Nashville, Tennessee. In 1975, he returned to Meharry Medical College to accept an appointment as Assistant Professor of Medicine. Dr. Neal had visiting lectureships and fellowships at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Tuskegee, Alabama, the National Medical Association, Georgia State Medical Society, and Tennessee Medical Society.

In 1976, Dr. Neal returned to South Carolina to establish his private medical practice in Eastover, SC and then in Columbia, SC. Faithful to his commitment to the community, Dr. Neal cared for thousands of patients, devoting himself to working well into the evenings, Saturdays, and even house calls for the elderly and homebound patients. Dr. Neal also worked as a physician in the Richland Community Healthcare Association's Carolina Medical Group. After nearly 50 years of service, Dr. Neal continued operating his private practice in a limited capacity and continued to serve the community through his work at rehabilitation centers, hospice groups, and local charitable nonprofit clinics.

Dr. Neal began his tenure with the South Carolina Department of Corrections in 1979 as a Staff Physician. In 1998, he retired as the SCDC's State Medical Director.

Colleagues, support staff, and inmates described Dr. Neal as a gifted physician, a judicious and foresightful manager, a man who leads with humanity and serves with compassion.

Dr. Neal's community involvement and associations included serving on the Board of Directors of the Ben Arnold Boys' Club in Columbia, South Carolina from 1978-1990, a member of the Community Aid Club, American Medical Association, National Medical Association, Palmetto Medical Association, American Correctional Association, Congaree Medical Association, SC Employees' Association. In addition, he is a founding member of the Association of Black Cardiologists.

Dr. Neal is a longtime member of St. John Baptist Church in Hopkins, SC, where he served as a deacon. He was the medical director and treating physician of the Community Wellness Group, a nonprofit holistic health center. He served as Medical Director for the non-profit, Joseph H. Neal Health Collaborative, established by the family in 2018 to honor his late brother, Joseph.

Dr. Neal was married for 35 years to Linda Jean Mattison until her death in 2005. Their union was blessed with four children. Dr. Neal is survived by a daughter Tiffany M. Neal of Columbia, S.C. and two sons, Green B. Neal II of Santa Barbara, CA and Marcus Neal (Marcela Nieto Neal) of Columbia, SC. He was predeceased by a son, Christopher Byron Neal of Columbia, SC. He is survived by a sister Wilma Neal Garren (Brent Garren) of South Orange, NJ and predeceased by two brothers, Choatte R. Neal, Jr. (Loretta Neal) of Hopkins SC and Reverend Joseph H. Neal of Hopkins, SC. He is survived by a maternal aunt Janice English (Joseph English). Additionally, Dr. Neal leaves behind several nieces and nephews who each adored him, including Reginald Neal, LaVerne Smith (Samuel Smith), Shawanda Neal, and Akiyah Sumter.

The joy of Dr. Neal's life is his three grandchildren that he leaves behind: James Christopher Neal Woods, Layla Neal, and Sebastian Neal. "G.B." or "Gee," as he is affectionately known by family and friends, is also survived and beloved by numerous extended family members, friends, colleagues, staff, and patients to whom he devoted his life.

A Celebration of Life for Dr. Green B. Neal, MD will take place on Friday, November 8, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Bible Way Church of Atlas Road (2440 Atlas Road Columbia, SC 29209) followed by Interment at 2:00 p.m. at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens (7100 Garners Ferry Rd Columbia, SC 29209) and a repast at St. John Baptist Church (222 J.W. Neal Circle Hopkins, SC 29061).

Visitation will occur Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at JP Holley Funeral Home Southeast Chapel (8132 Garners Ferry Road Columbia, SC 29209).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Green Neal's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

February 16, 2025

Valerie Washington posted to the memorial.

November 11, 2024

Barbara Ann Porter posted to the memorial.

November 11, 2024

D Tyce posted to the memorial.

Valerie Washington

February 16, 2025

Well I'm just obsessed with good toilet paper and on one of my visit I told him I had a confession. I said I didn't want to ever steal but I did. I pulled off 2 pieces of your toilet paper Doc. What is this. He got up and came back with this. Never a dull moment with this man. And I would bring him Tea or fruits on Valentines days. Never ever will I forget this GODLY blessing we had.

Barbara Ann Porter

November 11, 2024

I'm so sorry to hear about Dr Green B Neal. He was one of the greatest doctor I know. He would answer his phone no matter what time it was. He was a dedicated Dr. To his patience even when I had to way to pay him he still treated me. God took a Very Good Dr. Home. I am so sorry! To his family I send my prayers and condolences to them that God would carry them through this time of their loss.

D Tyce

November 11, 2024

Dr. Neal was one of a kind. He gave me his private cell number to call if my family or I had any issues. I mean any issue. I rarely used it because I didn't want to lose the privilege. He stressed to me to call if I needed to, his response was always, put your son on the line. I appreciate the love, time and patience he showed me and my family. Just to share his thoughtfulness, I called Dr. Neal and told him I was doing a renovation and I didn't know any contractors in the area and wanted to know if he had any recommendations. His response was, I have the perfect person for you. He shared the information and he was exactly right. I loved him even though we met as a doctor patient relationship. He was always there for me and honest. I will miss him answering the phone saying, This is Dr. Neal.

Burnett Gallman

November 9, 2024

Losing Dr. Neal is a monumental loss, not only for South Carolina but for the country. Very few physicians are as knowledgeable and gracious. He modeled excellence. I am pained that family events have taken me out of Columbia the weekend of his memorial. I am there in spirit. Please know that the Gallman family sends their condolences and prayers.

Helena Mills-Middleton

November 8, 2024

Words cannot express the magnitude of my love and admiration for Dr Neal. I can hear him right now saying "Dr Neal", as he did each time he answered his phone. The tears will never cease to resurface for me. I pray that we, his family and loved ones will live the legacy by attempting to model the compassion, the understanding , the professionalism and the genuine love that is the essence of Dr Green B Neal. I pray that we will come to a place with God´s grace and mercy that allows us to understand why and how we can and we must move forward holding close to our hearts a multitude of cherished memories. Blessed be the Name of the Lord for the gift of Dr Green B Neal

Phyllis L. Thompson

November 8, 2024

My family and I send our heartfelt condolences to the Neal Family. Dr. Neal and I met on many occasions and spoke on the phone numerous times; as late as Thursday, October 24 and talked about his projects and BC. My heart is sad. I will miss his soft voice and jovial laugh.

Margaret Holmes

November 7, 2024

Thank you Dr. Neal for all you have done over the years. Get your rest!
To the family, I pray your strength and peace. Margaret

Dr. Ada Stewart

November 7, 2024

Condolences and blessings to the family during this time. Dr. Neal was the epitome of a excellent physician. He was dedicated to patients, had excellent bedside manner and always available. He possessed qualities that I try to emulate. Rest in Peace.

Nicie J. Taylor

November 6, 2024

A kind pleasant soul who always had a smile on his face. Very caring, especially for his family and patients. Thank you doctor Neal for giving me my first job in the medical field. I was a medical assistant in the office. I learned a lot from you, and for that I´m grateful. Thankful for crossing paths with you in this life. Rest easy doc.

Rosalind Mills Crumlin

November 6, 2024

We could always laugh when he would tell me about his life experiences. Especially when he was in the Marines. He told you the truth whether you liked it or not. He was more like a professional friend. He was like family. He was loved a lot by his patients.

Betty Miller

November 5, 2024

Dr. Neal would always give his patients his private cell phone number. He didn't mind when patients called him. Your heart soon will be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Gretta Jones

November 5, 2024

You will be dearly missed GB!!! Continue to rest easy!! My kids (your nieces and nephew) will always remember your science jokes and laughter!!!

Tysha Holmes

November 5, 2024

Dr Neal, you are missed and made a great impression upon the first interaction. You care deeply for your patients and the community as a whole. You will be missed. Tysha Holmes

Cherita m Harris

November 4, 2024

He was a good doctor I can always count on him so sweet and nice Miss you

Valerie M Washington

November 4, 2024

You've worked harder than any person I know, giving of yourself always unselfishly I never thought this would be how you had to get get some much needed rest. With respect and Christian love. You will forever be missed and never forgotten a mold that will never ever be duplicated. Family and friends hang in there and continue to lift ALL UP in prayer.

Connie Soles-Heisey

November 3, 2024

I met Dr. Neal in 2005 for the 1st time after having a diabetic episode at Mr. Mullis' office. I had started working for him as a paralegal and had no idea I was a diabetic. Dr. Neal saved my life. He was the best diabetes Dr. in S.C. He was my family Dr. until I moved to PA in 2018. I learned so much from him.

Carla Goodson

November 3, 2024

Always cared for me like I was part of his family. I loved him like a spirit Dad. May your spiritual journey be a safe one. Was'te Washilightía ( Good Blessings on your SACRED JOURNEY.)

Frank Mattison

November 3, 2024

The love of friends and family carry you through your grief

Virginia king

November 2, 2024

God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

D. Hunter

November 2, 2024

Dr. Neal you will be terribly missed. Thank you for all your wisdom and patience along with your understanding. Such an excellent physician. One who took time with each individual patient not caring how long it took. It is going to be hard trying to find another physician to wear the shoes you walked in. Rest in peace.
D. Hunter

Single Memorial Tree

Patrick and Amy Rybarczyk

Planted Trees

Sharolyn Jeffery

November 2, 2024

Get your rest Dr. Neal you have definitely touched many hearts. Than you!

Tiffany moore

November 2, 2024

Rest well Dr. Neal. You will be missed. Thank you for taking such good care of me. I pray for all who loved you and all you loved. You gave me hope. Tiffany Moore

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JP Holley Funeral Home - Garners Ferry Road SE Chapel

8132 Garners Ferry Road P.O. Box 90403, Columbia, SC 29209

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Sign Green Neal's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

February 16, 2025

Valerie Washington posted to the memorial.

November 11, 2024

Barbara Ann Porter posted to the memorial.

November 11, 2024

D Tyce posted to the memorial.