Neal Liner Adams
1961 - 2025
Neal Liner Adams
February 2,1961 – July 23, 2025
With a twinkle in his eye and a flash of that mischievous smile, Neal Adams lit up the world and the lives of those who loved him. That light dimmed when Neal passed away unexpectedly on July 23, 2025 at the age of 64. As his wife, I have the honor of writing these words that tell folks the basic outline of Neal’s life…important to note but also lacking in the good stuff…the real glimpse of WHO he really was. So, bear with the length of this tribute…read along and envision him as you know him…picture that smile as I share these random things he loved and did…things that made this incredible man my guy.
Ocean waves and curvy mountain roads, eating wild berries right off the bush. Surf shops and coffee cafés. He made great coffee. Sunrises and sunsets, wood fires, country stores, peaches, fried pies. Music of all genres and decades. He was a great gift giver – he paid attention. Brave and determined, even on the darkest days. Loved our fat cat, cows, and feeding wild ducks out of his hand in our back yard. Handyman – could fix anything from cars to kitchen sinks. Outdoors and grass and sunshine and snow. Intelligent, stubborn and always had to be right. Snored like a bear. Sweet tooth for ice cream, doughnuts and candy. We held hands a lot…even sometimes in our sleep. He folded his socks. He cried at Rom-Coms and weddings. Bought me flowers for no reason and packed snacks for me to take to work every morning. Always smelled good and squeezed me tight. Loud and full of energy, he did everything with an exclamation point! He liked to say that he could still “Run Fast and Jump High!” which he did every single day. And he had a gentle, loving spirit like no other I have ever known.
I will love him All Ways Always.
Neal spent his childhood and early adult years in Winston-Salem, NC. Some of his fondest memories were growing up in the Ardmore community, playing football for the Wildcats and developing young friendships…some that would last a lifetime. At age 15, Neal’s family moved to the new neighborhood of Westbrook which allowed him to expand his network of friends and graduate from West Forsyth High School in 1979. He attended Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, NC and Appalachian State University in Boone, NC following high school.
As a young adult Neal worked for Hunter Publishing and RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company before choosing a career path in grocery retail with Kroger, which led him and his young family to Raleigh, NC. While in Raleigh Neal expanded his professional experience to include commercial surfacing/flooring with David Allen Company and Precast Terrazzo Enterprises. Upon moving to Bermuda Run, NC eight years ago Neal worked with Tanglewood Park in Forsyth County and most recently as a Project Manager for the City of Winston-Salem.
In 2017 Neal reunited with his middle-school sweetheart, Johnna Raye Hewitt, and moved back home to the Winston-Salem area where they married and lived until his passing. Though their life together on earth was far too short it was full of boundless love, joy in everyday simple pleasures, and lots of fun and laughter. Beaches, mountains, a crescent moon, WFU football, concerts, date nights, and spontaneous plans were a few of their favorite things. First Love & Last Love.
Neal is survived by his loving wife, Johnna Raye and his mother-in-law, “little mama” Camilla Hewitt; sons Jordan (Catherine) and Joshua and their mother Lynn Reisinger Adams; son Matthew (Victoria); granddaughter Carson (Jordan) and grandson Ethan (Matthew); brothers Tim (Kay) and Keith (Monica); extended family that includes a nephew, 2 nieces, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Neal was preceded in death by his parents James B. and Frances L. Adams and sister Theresa.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Neal on August 24, 5:00-7:00 pm at Tanglewood Park in Clemmons, Shelter #3. Casual and fun, everyone is welcome to come as you can. An informal tribute will be made at 5:30 for all who wish to be present at that time.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in Neal’s memory to Healing Transitions of Raleigh.
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Much love to you and my sincere sympathy to you and the families. I’m glad you found each other again.
My dear friend…what an honor it was to meet the man who put the biggest smile on your face and the brightest light in your eyes.
Let the memories carry you, until you’re reunited yet again.
I was so happy to see Neal a couple years ago, at 30a after a long absence. Neal was a high-school buddy that always brought a big smile and kind words.
Neal and I graduated from West together. Then we went to Lees McRae at the same time then Appalachian State. Very smart guy, Always enjoyable to be around. Peace be with you.
I miss you dad and always will. How you never failed to light up the ones around you. One of my fondest memories is waking up early before church and feeding the homeless with you. How i didnt know it then, but i do now the little things you did pushed me closer to god. I love you dad and cant wait to be reunited with you soon, but not too soon🙏🏻
johnna, thinking of you at this time I only met neal briefly but I really liked him so sorry for your loss and so sudden God be with you just wanna share our love and prayers Miss Daisy’s caregiver CJ Fowler and ladies especially wendy
Johnna, although I only met neal briefly he seemed like a lovely person. I am so sorry for your loss. All of the ladies from Miss Daisys caregiver sent you nothing but love and prayers at this time. God be with you CJ.
Neil and I worked together at Tanglewood park.. Neil was a good friend and funny person around. We will miss him. Always had a good time when we got together for dinners.