Joel "Jo Cool" Neal Jr., 61, of Battle Creek, Michigan, passed away on Thursday, September 14, 2017 at Bronson Methodist Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born on February 23, 1956, the son of Joel Neal Sr. and Auga Lee (Reed) Gauthier.
Joel graduated from Battle Creek Central High School with the Class of 1976.
Joel is survived by his Wife of 21 years - Kathleen (Smith) Neal of Battle Creek, Michigan; two children, Luciana (Jason Taylor) Samuels, and William (Marquetia) Samuels, Four Sisters, Renee White, Cynthia Neal, Sonya Brooks, Lorna Nevels and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren and other loving family members. He was preceded in death by his Father, Joel Neal Sr., Mother, Auga Lee, Brothers, Donald Neal, David Neal and Sister, Christina Nevels.
Joel loved spending his time playing chess and listening to music. He enjoyed making Cd's and movies for his family to watch or listen to. He loved working on computers, tearing them apart and then putting them back together. Above everything else though, he loved his family, and spending his time with them.

A gathering of family and friends will take place on Saturday, September 23, 2017 starting at 2:00 pm.