The Rev. Neal Eddins Wingfield, 68, of Hampstead and formerly of Goldsboro passed peacefully on Sunday, January 15, 2012 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

He was born in Charlottesville, Virginia on October 10, 1943 to Ernest Tyler and Cornelia Eddins Wingfield, who preceded Neal in death.

Neal leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of 42 years, Page Lohmeyer Wingfield; son, Joseph Wingfield and his wife, Heather, of Raleigh; daughter, Stella Wingfield and her fiancé, Brad Cook, both of Durham; brother, Rev. Joseph Wingfield and his wife, Susan, of Moore, Oklahoma; brother-in-law, Bob Lohmeyer and his wife, Marti, of Winston-Salem; sister-in-law, Candee Wingfield of High Point; three nieces; one nephew; extended family and friends; and his companion cat, Scooter.

Neal grew up in Lynchburg, Virginia. He served honorably for six years in the US Navy, afterward receiving his undergraduate degree from Campbell College (now Campbell University). He worked with the National Institutes of Health for 23 years, and then graduated from Duke Divinity School. He served for 18 years as a United Methodist Minister for churches in Raleigh, Hillsborough, Mt.Olive, Goldsboro and Wilmington. He was also very active in the Apex Lion's Club and the Emmaus and Chrysalis Communities.

All of his life, Neal was guided by a strong and practiced faith in God that carried him through his battles with Hodgkin's Lymphoma as a young man, heart disease, and most recently Myelodysplastic Syndrome. Neal truly leaves a legacy of faith, love and hope, (Not to mention a great laugh!). He lived his life by a simple creed: Do justice, love your neighbor and walk humbly with God.

A memorial service will held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 21, 2012 at Salem United Methodist Church, 2706 Salem Church Rd, Goldsboro, with The Rev. Sandy Schaller, The Rev. Francis Daniel and The Rev. Randy Maynard officiating. Following the service the family will receive friends at the church in Salem Hall.

Memorial gifts may be given to the MDS Foundation, 4573 S. Broad St., Suite 150, Yardville, NJ 08620, or to a church or charity of your choice.

Neal's family would like to thank the many health care providers that have so cared for and given Neal and his family support. They are also grateful for all the kindness and prayers of their family and friends.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting "Memory Wall" above.
A memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 21, 2012 at Salem United Methodist Church, 2706 Salem Church Rd, Goldsboro.

The family will receive friends following the service at the church in Salem Hall.