Gary Allen Neal

Gary Neal was born on March 5, 1961, in Austin to Charles and Virginia (Dykowski) Neal. He passed away in the early morning hours of July 28, 2023, while hospitalized in Austin.

Gary lived a full life with experiences that most could only imagine. He did not know how to do anything half-way, and always went above and beyond. He had a love for fireworks, Harley Davidson motorcycles, music, and most of all, those close to him. For Gary, family was much more than blood, and yet blood was also no pre-requisite for considering anyone family.

He grew up in Austin and enjoyed spending time at the historic Armadillo World Headquarters, as well as other iconic Austin music venues. He was an Austinite through and through. He would spend countless hours telling his kids stories of way back when, including things he and his buddies would do to cause mischief or just have fun.

Gary was a jack of all trades, and quite frankly, a master of many. Throughout his life he held jobs related to welding/pipefitting, commercial HVAC installation, and many other types of construction. He could fix cars, motorcycles, and almost anything else with a motor. Gary was a beyond amazing handyman who made many wonderful visions come to life through his skills and talents. He loved music of all kinds, including heavy metal, old-school country like Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash, classic rock, and many other genres.  In recent years, on any given Sunday, he’d be glued to the TV watching old westerns.

He is survived by his partner, Jennifer Brunello of Austin; son, Drew (Jennie) Neal of Thrall; daughter, Kacie (Chris) Wilkerson of Austin; grandchildren, Kaylyn Wilkerson of Austin, and Grady Andee Kate and Harlan Neal, all of Thrall; mother, Virginia Neal Matula of Taylor; sister, Peggy (Deral) Milliken of Taylor; brothers, Terry and Larry Neal, both of Austin; nephews Trey (Meagan) Milliken of Hutto, and Matthew Milliken and fiancé Mary Angelich of Round Rock.  Family status is also bestowed upon loyal confidant Louise LaGrotta and honorary brother Mike Brooks.

He is preceded in death by his much-loved dads, Charles Neal and Frank Matula.

Visitation will be held beginning at 6:00 p.m., with a Rosary following at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at Providence Funeral Home in Taylor.  Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 10, 2023 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of the Assumption in Taylor.  Burial will occur on a much later date at Holy Cross Cemetery in Granger.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Hill Country Ride for AIDS, as he strongly supported his brothers’ activism there.