Willie O’Neal “Neal” Webster

Willie O’Neal “Neal” Webster, 83, passed away after a series of strokes and will be buried following a private graveside service Monday, Jan. 31, 2022, at Antioch United Methodist Church in Macon County, Alabama.

Neal was born March 10, 1938, in Macon County and died peacefully Friday, January 28, 2022, at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, Alabama, surrounded by family including his wife, Dorothy Webster, and daughter, Richelle.

He was a six-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps, enlisting in July 1956 and serving until July 1962, honorably discharged with the rank of lance corporal. He served as a communications wireman, including stints in Okinawa, Japan, and Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Neal and Dot, his high school sweetheart at Macon County High School in Notasulga, were married Feb. 9, 1957. She moved with him to North Carolina before they returned home, later living for several years in the Union community near Lake Martin, and then near Notasulga in a house he mostly built and wired himself.

Neal was a master electrician, having worked for several reputable employers including Alabama Power Company and Auburn University. He was the electrical superintendent at Auburn, including over Jordan-Hare Stadium for its biggest games during his service, and he often recalled stories from decades ago of having to climb more than 100 feet high to change light bulbs in the old scoreboard or on the light towers. He retired from the university in October 1988.

Fishing, however, was by far his most passionate pastime, and Neal was a pro-am competitive Bassmaster fisherman, having won numerous prizes and awards over the years in bass fishing tournaments throughout the state and around the region. He fished competitively until only a few weeks before his passing. 

Neal was preceded in death by his parents, Emmett Webster and Ruth Webster Boulware, and his son Russell, who passed away in 1979.

He is survived by his wife Dorothy Webster; daughter Richelle (Troy) Turner, Auburn; grandchildren Rylen (Jamie) Crews, Opelika; John Will Rice and Jonah Rice, Auburn; great-grandchildren Cohen, Asher, and Laken Crews; sister Charlotte (Jack) Brown, Mobile.

John Will Rice will officiate, with Corbitt’s Funeral Home,Tuskegee, handling arrangements.