Tributes

Neal Emerson Smoak, age 65, died Friday January 8, 2016 in Greenville, SC., with his wife, his children and his sister at his side. Neal was born in Conway, SC on September 11, 1950 to Donald McCoy Smoak and Bonita Bellamy Smoak. He had a passion for all things outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing and shrimping. From an early age, he had a special interest in snakes and lent his expertise on them to various wildlife agencies . It has been said that he was never happier than when he was out on the open water or deep in the woods, surrounded by all that is God's glorious creation. These were the times that Neal was his truest self. To quote Henry David Thoreau,"Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads". This perfectly describes the way that Neal loved and appreciated nature. Neal was an animal lover, especially of dogs, and he shared this love with his wife Dana. Being brought up in a musical family, he was taught to love all types of music from classical to rock and roll, Beethoven to The Eagles. He played the guitar, as well as sang. He was a wonderful husband, father, son and brother and he will be missed dearly. Neal is survived by his wife, Dana Kelsey Smoak of Travelers Rest, SC, his daughter Hope Smoak Connelly (Joseph) of Ridgeland ,SC, his son Fletcher Smoak (Erica) of Bluffton SC, his parents of Conway, sisters Donna Smoak Watts (Ted) of Murrells Inlet, SC, Beth Smoak Hagwood (Woody) of Conway, and Rachel Smoak Ballenger (Gil) of Charleston, SC, grandchildren Abby Smith, Camden Connelly, Madison Smoak and Watson Smoak, nephews Matthew Watts(Becky), Gage Ballenger, Evan Ballenger and Reid O'Quinn-Hagwood, a niece Elizabeth Hagwood, two great nieces and one great nephew and a special sister in law, Karen Littlefield of Rockland, Maine as well as numerous special friends and extended family members. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, January 15, 2016 at 3:00 PM at First United Methodist Church, 1001 5th Avenue, Conway, SC with a visitation in the commons area at 2:00 PM prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Outdoor Dream Foundation, PO Box 802, Anderson, SC 29622.

Tributes

Neal Smoak

September 11, 1950 - January 8, 2016