Melvin Lewis Neal, 85, of Luling, LA, formerly of Princeton, died Wednesday, January 31, 2024, in Covington, LA, following a long illness. Born June 7, 1938, in Princeton, he was the son of the late Early Edward Neal and Elinor Katherine Dunn Neal.  Melvin was a graduate of Princeton Senior High School. He was co-founder along with his beloved wife Rita of Miracle Deliverance Center in Princeton, where he also served faithfully as deacon for 25 years. He was a former supervisor for Strother Drug Company and later Amerisource for over 30 years. Upon retirement Melvin took great pride in assisting those less fortunate by volunteering with the local food bank. He was a dedicated animal advocate, donating to local SPCAs throughout his lifetime. In his free time, he loved being surrounded by his family and friends, traveling, attending church, and helping others in too many ways to count. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Willie Neal and Mildred Hudgins. Survivors include his loving wife of 63 years, Rita Mae Dunn Neal, who was his high school sweetheart and the love of his life. Three children, Tammy Jefferson & husband Scott, Timothy Neal & wife Ellie Mae, and Todd Neal.  Nine Grandchildren: Kara Jefferson-Sanchez (Mario), Adam Jefferson, Leslie Jefferson-Remes (Katie), Johnathan Neal, Heather Bailey (Steven), Erica Brown (Tony), Chad Neal, Crystal Earle (Brian) and Priscilla Minnix (Terry); 27 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Personal healthcare assistant and cherished friend Ashi Peters And his sweet labrador retriever, Miss Gryffin fondly known as Gryffie Girl.  Siblings, Lou Meadows & husband Ricky, Lawrence Neal & wife Carol along with a sister-in-law, Jean Neal (Willie).  Numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, and an entire church family. The family wishes to acknowledge the exceptional care given to Mr. Melvin from the staff of Trinity Trace Community Care Center and Enhabit Hospice. Your dedication, care, kindness, and love will be forever in our heart. Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday, February 9, 2024, in the Chapel of the Memorial Funeral Directory on the Athens Road in Princeton with Pastor Dana Truckenmiller. Pallbearers are Timothy Neal, Todd Neal, Scott Jefferson, Adam Jefferson, Henry Dunn Jr. and Dave Dunn.   Entombment will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park Mausoleum in Princeton.  Friends may visit with the family on Friday from 10:00 A.M. until the service hour at the funeral home.  The family requests donations be made to the SPCA or local animal shelter in lieu of flowers. Online condolences may be shared with the family via www.memorialfd.com . The Neal family is being served by the Memorial Funeral Directory and Cremation Center on the Athens Road in Princeton.