Edward Warner Neal

Edward Warner Neal 93, of Columbus, Georgia passed away Saturday, April 17, 2021 at his residence.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, April 21, 2021 in the Sanctuary of First Baptist Church 212 12th Street Columbus, Georgia 31901 with Dr. James C. Elder, Jr. officiating. A private interment will be held in Parkhill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the home of Mr. and Mrs. E. Warner Neal, Jr. on Tuesday April 20, 2021 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

Edward was born on June 1, 1927, at his grandmother’s beloved home place, the historic Wells-Bagley House in Columbus, Georgia. He was the son of the late Warner Gillespie Neal and Marion Bagley Neal. Edward was preceded in death by his daughter, Mildred Neal Scott of Atlanta and his wife of 61 years, Mary Ann Flowers Neal.  His education began at Wynnton Elementary School and Columbus High School before graduating from Auburn University in 1950 with a Bachelor of Architecture.  Edward combined his love for “old things” with his knowledge of architecture to design many homes and structures in Columbus and across the South.  He was the architect for the Columbus Government Center. 

In 1953, Edward married Mary Ann Flowers and together they raised a wonderful family. Much of their time was spent at their family country place, where activities with cousins and family members created life-long bonds.  Anyone who knew Edward knew about his love for antiques and old furniture.  He never saw a chair he didn’t like and was always on the hunt for one to complete a set of eight…or 12!

His passion for architecture and antiques led to many of his community endeavors.  Every project Ed took on he did it with the intent to foster preservation. He was a founding member of Historic Columbus Foundation.  He was instrumental in the development of Westville.  His architectural expertise is apparent in several important historic properties including The Springer Opera House, The Rankin House, The Walker-Peters-Langdon House, Pemberton House, Goetchius House, and 700 Broadway.  He was a life-long member of the Rotary Club of Columbus, serving as President in 1979-80.  He was a founding member of The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, serving two terms as President. As President of the Georgia Trust, Ed was instrumental in the preservation of the historic Hay House in Macon, Georgia. He was a charter member of the Sons of the American Revolution (Coweta Falls Chapter), served as chairman of the Historic and Architectural Review for the Columbus Consolidated Government. He was life-long member of First Baptist Church of Columbus, where he was a Deacon and Middle School Sunday School teacher for over 20 years.

Survivors include his children: Florence Arthur Neal (Michael J. Kowalski) of Brooklyn, NY; Margaret Neal Amos (James Troy Amos II) and Edward Warner Neal, Jr. (Lisa St. John Neal) of Columbus; son-in-law, Michael Leon Scott of Atlanta; and his sister, Margaret Neal Doty of Macon. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Mary Ann Flowers Scott and Emma Louise Scott, Edward Neal Amos (Morgan Batson Amos), James Troy Amos III, Daniel Flowers Amos, Edward Warner Neal III, William Stinson Neal; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their love and appreciation to Ed’s caregiver Stephanie “Jennifer” Jankiewicz. Thank you for giving all of yourself so selflessly to make sure dad felt safe and loved.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Columbus, 212 12th Street, Columbus, GA 31901 or Historic Columbus Foundation, 1440 2nd Avenue, Columbus, GA 31901; or to a charity of your choice.