James "Neal" Oneal Johnson

JAMES ONEAL “NEAL” JOHNSON, age 75 of Verbena, passed away on July 23, 2025 in Jemison, AL. He was born in Chilton County on November 17, 1949; the son of the late Napolean Johnson and the late Mary Alberts Johnson.

Neal married Sara McMinn on June 7, 1968 and renewed their vows on their 25th wedding anniversary. They were married for 32 wonderful years until her passing in 2000. He then remarried Betty Holzapfel in 2001 and was happily married for 23 years.

He never met a stranger and loved to go to Walmart to socialize. He was a loving husband, father, brother, and uncle. He retired from Gulf States Paper Company in Maplesville and then retired from the State of Alabama Road Department in Maplesville. He believed in hard work and to always finish what you started.

He is survived by: Wife, Betty Johnson of Verbena; Daughter, Angela (Shelby) Posey of Jemison; Son, Jamie (Michelle) Johnson of Verbena; Daughter, Ashley (Matt) Blackmon of Clanton; Stepdaughter, Ashley (Matt) Brasher of VA; Stepdaughter, Carrie Holzapfel; Granddaughters: Heather (Chris) Puglisi of Jemison, Micayla (Austin) Bone of Clanton, and Mackenzie Johnson of Verbena; Grandsons: Will (Tiffany) Posey of Jemison, Alex Price of Clanton, Zack Blackmon of Clanton, Nick Blackmon of Clanton, and Sam Blackmon of Clanton; Step-grandchildren: Isaac Brasher of VA, Madelyn Brasher of VA, Kimber Page of Clanton, and Paisley King of Clanton; Great Grandchildren: Coltman Posey, Braxton Posey, Maddi Grace Posey, Madi Bone, and DJ Puglisi; Brothers: Joe Johnson, Jimmy Johnson, Leroy Johnson, and Jeff Johnson; and Sisters, Mary Clackler and Betty Smith.

He is preceded in death by: Wife, Sara McMinn Johnson; Son, Julius Dwayne Johnson; Daughter, Jennifer Kaye Johnson; Father, Napolean Johnson; Mother, Mary Johnson; Brothers, Robert Earl Johnson and Charles “Boddie” Johnson.

A celebration of life service will be held on Sunday, August 3, 2025 at 4:00pm from New Life Assembly of God in Maplesville, AL with Rev. Randy Reid and Rev. Jeremy Davis officiating.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

The family would like to express thanks and gratitude to Enhabit Hospice of Clanton for the care they provided to Neal and the family.

Final care and arrangements entrusted to the Ellison Memorial Funeral Home of Clanton, AL.

www.EllisonMemorialFuneralHome.com