Neal Tomlinson

William Neal Tomlinson, age 73, of Maggie Valley, NC passed away on November 8, 2023. Neal is survived by his husband, Gregg Duncan Tomlinson. They recently celebrated 16 wonderful years together.

Neal was born on September 23, 1950 in Chattanooga, TN and spent most of his elementary and high school years in Macon, GA. He was the son of the late Don Rucker Tomlinson and Geraldine Smith Tomlinson. In addition to his parents, Neal was predeceased by a son, Jason Neal Tomlinson.

Neal earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education from Georgia Southern University. He spent 30 years teaching Special Education for several school districts in Georgia and retired from the Gwinnett County School System. He also served as Organist/Choir Director in United Methodist churches for over 40 years. Neal was a member of Black Mountain United Methodist Church.

In addition to his husband, Neal is survived by a daughter, Amanda Johnson of Blackshear, GA; two stepsons, Rustin Duncan (Anna) of Greenville, SC and Jarrid Duncan (Heather) of Marietta, SC; two stepdaughters, Kylan Waters of Greenville, SC and Jana Mask (Brook) of Blackshear, GA; and one sister, Donna Craig of Reno, NV.  Together, Neal and Gregg shared ten grandchildren, Chaz Johnson, Ava Duncan, Emily Duncan, Jackson Duncan, Landon Waters, Emerson Waters, Colton Waters, Alexa Heath, Braylon Mask and Annie Mask.  Neal especially loved being "Pop" to all the grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 17, 2023 at Black Mountain United Methodist Church, 101 Church Street, Black Mountain, NC 28711. Private interment will be in the Columbarium at Memorial Chapel, Lake Junaluska, NC.

Memorials may be made to the Music Ministry of Black Mountain United Methodist Church, PO Box 517, Black Mountain, NC 28711 or to the charity of one’s choice.