Rev. Dr. Archie Coleman Neal

Reverend Dr. Archie Coleman Neal, age 93, of Easley, South Carolina, was born on October 19, 1932, in Kershaw, South Carolina. He passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026, surrounded by his son, Archie Kim Neal, and daughter-in-law, Karen Martin Neal.

He was the son of the late Rev. Leroy Troy Neal and Etta Mae Hammond Neal. On August 14, 1953, he married the love of his life, Sybil Adams Neal, who preceded him in death on September 14, 2022. Their marriage of 69 years was marked by faith, devotion, and unwavering partnership in ministry and family.

Dr. Neal is survived by his son, Archie Kim Neal (Karen) of Easley, South Carolina; three grandchildren, Ashley Neal, Katie Craven (Chance), and Adam Neal (Chelsea); and five great-grandchildren, Elijah, Scarlett, Isaac, Ridge, and Jeremiah. He is also survived by his brother, Rev. Steve Neal (Carol), along with numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and beloved wife, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Claudia Williams (Douglas), Edith Lowry (Howard), Doris Hancock (Hank), Marion Neal (Doris), and Brue Neal (Phyllis).

Dr. Neal’s formal education began with his graduation from Kershaw High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with Honors from Furman University, completing his studies in just two and a half years. He later attended Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he received both a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry degree.

He faithfully served as Pastor of Thorn Hill Baptist Church in Kershaw (1959–1963); Hyde Park Baptist Church in Lancaster (1963–1983); Deer Park Baptist Church in Charleston (1983–1985); and First Baptist Church in Cheraw (1985–1995). He also served as interim pastor for five churches in the Kershaw and Lancaster areas.

Beyond the local church, Dr. Neal served on the General Board of the South Carolina Baptist Convention and on the Board of Trustees for the Baptist Hospital System in Columbia and Easley. He was appointed Moderator of the Moriah Association of Baptist Churches in South Carolina and was honored with numerous awards from religious, civic, and educational organizations, including the Daughters of the American Revolution History Award.

He also proudly served his country in the United States Navy for three and a half years. During that time, he became the youngest individual to achieve the rank of Electrician’s Mate Second Class. A veteran of the Korean War, he served aboard the USS Yorktown, known as “The Fighting Lady.”

Reverend Dr. Neal was a devoted servant of God, a loving husband and father, and a shepherd to countless congregations. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held at Hyde Park Baptist Church in Lancaster, South Carolina, on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. The service will be officiated by Reverend Tim Lowry, Dr. Neal’s nephew. Visitation will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory to Alzheimer's Association, PO Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090-6011, or to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 26621.

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home & Crematory-Downtown, Easley.