Cornelius “Neal” Thomas, 87, a longtime resident of Neptune, died on December 22, 2016 while residing at Preferred Care at Wall. He was born and raised in Long Branch, to the late Henry and Minnie Thomas. He was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on April 17, 1943. On graduating from Long Branch High School, he entered the full-time ministry. He later served as a full-time volunteer for the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society in Brooklyn, NY. During his theocratic career, he loyally served with the Long Branch, Bradley Beach, Neptune, Wayside, Forest Drive, South Carolina and South Tinton Falls Congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses until his recent demise. Neal also worked in direct sales and had his own Dealership with Saladmaster for over 30 years.

He was predeceased by his first wife Vivian Stokes Thomas and his second wife Gladys Brewer Thomas. Left to cherish his memory are his children; Venelia Thomas Jones and her husband Steven of Asbury Park, NJ; Paul E. Thomas (Yvonne) of Powell, TN; adopted children George and Mylo Wright of Neptune, NJ; one grandson, Joseph Cornelius Wright; two brothers, Fred C. Thomas (Norma) of Port St Lucie, FL and Paul L. Thomas (Sharleen) of Fort Pierce, FL; two sisters, Peggy Thomas of Fort Pierce, FL and Ann Thomas Houston of Oak Ridge TN; nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, and a host of relatives and extended family, as well as, spiritual family and acquaintances.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 3:00 pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2900 West Bangs Avenue, Neptune.