Haves Ray McNeal, a devoted patriarch, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 1, 2026. He was surrounded by his wife and family.

Haves was born on September 12, 1931 in New Albany, MS, to Clarence and Lou Ella (nee: Golden) McNeal. He spent his early teenage years going to school and working on the farm tending chickens, pigs and mules. His father passed away when he was only 14, and from that point forward, a determined and driven person was built. These strong characteristics were the key elements motivating him to move to Racine, Wisconsin at barely 19 years old to start his life. And, he did so, at some of the more difficult and challenging work places, Racine Steel Casting and Brass & Aluminum. He worked there for over 45 years digging sand pits, molding, casting and pouring iron. The environment and work conditions were extremely difficult. He labored and inhaled black soot for over four decades, so that he and mom could build a strong family base that would stand the test of time.

Haves McNeal cleared the path without the help of a mule or tractor pushing his family forward through unparalleled hard work so that we would start from a higher launching pad thus ensuring his children and their children would hit heights an 8th grade educated person would not have imagined. After 94 years, and the last child of his parents to walk the earth, he has earned his resting place, he has earned his chance to enjoy the company of his brothers and sisters again, he has earned the respect, dignity and more importantly admiration from his family and friends. This unwavering work ethic, commitment and passion to his family is our father's legacy.

He is survived by his wife, Betty McNeal; Five children, Haves (Frances) McNeal (South Beloit, Illinois), Gloria McNeal (Racine), Gracie (Jerome) Harrell (Sturtevant); Marice (Karen) McNeal (Allen, Texas) and William (Darlene) McNeal (Racine), along with a special niece, Dorothy Jackson and sister in-law, Mary Ruth McNeal. He has been blessed to depart his wisdom on 10 grandkids, 25 great grand kids and 9 great great grand kids. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, Freddie McNeal, Leonard McNeal, Ezell McNeal, and Charlie McNeal; and seven sisters, Autry Moore, Inez Hinton, Odell Brownlee, Eteria Freeman, Evelyn Reynolds, Hermie D. McNeal, and his twin, Mavis Strong.

In God's Loving Arms

Service Details

A Homegoing Celebration for Haves will be held at Compassion Tabernacle, 2044 Mead Street, Racine 53403 on Monday, February 16, 2026 at 12:00PM with his son, Elder William McNeal, serving as Officiant. Visitation will be in Compassion Tabernacle on Monday from 11:00AM until the time of service. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park.

To view Haves' visitation and Homegoing Celebration please click on the following link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/77879232112