On March 20, 2023, Shirley Ann Rentz Neel made the transition from this earthly world to a celebration in Heaven. Shirley, born on February 13, 1948, was the first child of Wilbur and Ann Rentz. Preceding her in death were her father, Wilbur Rentz, her father and mother-in-law Millard (Sonnie) and Ollie Mae Neel and her sister-in-law Charlotte Neel Hicks and husband Delbert Hicks and her beloved Grandmother Tennie Tyus.
Her legacy will live on through her surviving mother, Ann Rentz; her husband of 50 years, Millard Dale Neel; two daughters Melanie Hall and husband Gary, Lindy Carpenter and husband Clay; an honorary son, Billy Spain; two granddaughters Leigh Anna Whitehead and husband Dustin, Lauren Moore and husband Jason; four great grandchildren Hadley Mae Moore, Callianne Kate Whitehead, Cayden Randall Moore and Easton Oliver Whitehead; three siblings Beth Nobles and husband Brady, Bill Rentz and wife Pam, and Faye Kimrey and husband Ken; her sister-in-law Belva Neel Free and many nieces and nephews.
Shirley met the love of her life on a Harley and the two of them embarked on a journey led by God and unconditional love for each other and their family. Shirley was a faithful servant of the Lord and served Him with her passion for music. She served as music director for many years at Sneads First Baptist and led several Christmas Cantatas at Providence Baptist Church. As a member of Providence Baptist Church, she supported many mission-related programs, but Operation Christmas Child was very close to her heart. She loved shopping and buying gifts for children all over the world, to share the love of Jesus with them. Those who knew Shirley, as a family member or friend, knew she loved them, but she loved her Lord even more. Shirley never compromised her faith and shared it with everyone she met.
Shirley’s career spanned 33 years at Florida State Hospital where many years were spent in Unit 31 as an X-Ray technician.
Visitation with the family will be held on Thursday, March 23, 2023, from 1:00-2:00 pm CST with the funeral service to follow at 2:00 pm CST in Providence Baptist Church, Grand Ridge, Florida. Interment will be in Dykes Cemetery following the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Providence Baptist Church to scholarship children and youth to the annual Baptist Summer Camp. Shirley loved to ensure that any and every child or youth have the opportunity to attend. All arrangements are under the direction of McAlpin Funeral Home in Sneads, Florida.
