Obituaries : Dean “Curly” McNeal

Dean “Curly” McNeal, 82, passed away Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Virginia Gay Nursing & Rehab, Vinton, surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Van Steenhuyse-Teahen Funeral Home, Vinton, with Chaplain Rick Sparks officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 23, at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Garrison Cemetery.

Curly was born on January 28, 1943, in Garrison, the son of Harvey and Margaret (McLennon) McNeal. He attended school in Vinton and then entered the workforce, where he built a long and proud career as an over-the-road truck driver. Over the years, he drove for Elliott Brothers, Westside, and School Bus Sales (SBS), spending countless miles on the road doing what he loved.

On July 9, 1967, he was united in marriage to Linda Irene Berger in Vinton. They shared many years together until her passing in 2001.

Curly enjoyed hunting, fishing, NASCAR racing, WWE wrestling, playing cards, and watching game shows on television—especially The Price Is Right. He was convinced one day he would make it onto the show, and he was sure he would win!

He is survived by his daughters: Glo (Richard) Billeter of Hayes, VA, Shelly Hutson of Madrid, IA, and Deanna McNeal of Vinton; grandchildren: Jenny, Jessica, Trevor, Aubrey, Matthew, David, Zachary, and Dakota; several great-grandchildren; and many other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda McNeal; son, David Bray; and sister, Marjorie Lahue.

Memorials may be directed to the family for a memorial fund to be established.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.