BRIDGEWATER, Va. – The Bridgewater College Department of Athletics is saddened by the passing of former BC head golf coach and educator Lamar Neal.
 
Neal, a faculty member of 28 years who directed the College's pre-law studies program and was head golf coach for 24 of those years, died on Jan. 15, 2023.
 
"I am saddened to hear the news of Neal's passing," said Director of Athletics Curt Kendall. "He helped move the golf program forward during his time and was well-liked by the student body. He gave the golf team the best experience that he could provide. Neal continued to stay in touch with numerous coaches and alums even after leaving the College. He will be missed."
 
During his time at Bridgewater, Neal coached three golfers to All-America status, including David Branshaw who is currently a member of the PGA Tour Champions and spent time on the Nationwide Tour (now the Korn Ferry Tour) and PGA Tour, and David Russell who became the first in BC history to earn four All-ODAC selections.
 
"He was larger than life, and I know there are many Eagles out there whose lives are richer having known him," said current head men's and women's golf coach John Rogers. "I never met him, which is my loss, given all I've heard about him. He had an epic personality, and it's amazing how many stories I still hear from our alumni." 
 
Many described Neal as having a larger than life personality, which saw him run for a seat with the Mississippi state senate before arriving at Bridgewater.
 
In retirement, Neal said he hoped to be known for both his academic and coaching contributions. Each spring, the College recognizes outstanding graduating seniors in the Department of History and Political Science with the Daniel W. Bly-Lamar B. Neal History and Political Science Awards, named for Neal, associate professor of history and political science, emeritus, and assistant professor of history emeritus Daniel W. Bly.
 
In a 2015 Bridgewater magazine series, "Where Are They Now?," Neal was described as easygoing and affable, "well-liked by students and a popular choice as a chaperone for unofficial college parties at Melrose and Reddish Knob."
 
Neal was also quoted in the magazine as saying "The main thing I wanted was for my students to go out and to be good citizens. I encouraged them to participate in the governmental process."
 
"Lamar was a huge part of the Bridgewater experience for all of the golfers, and he was a mentor and friend to so many other students on campus," said Senior Associate Director of Admissions Mark Griffin who played for Neal from 1984-88. "He made sure that we had a great experience on all our trips and tournaments and was personally a great friend to my family. He never forgot any of the golfers or students he knew well and kept up with them throughout his life.
 
"I'm very thankful for the opportunities that he gave me," continued Griffin. "Every golfer that ever played for him has many stories and each one of them could say that their experiences with [Neal] on the course, in the classroom or just on campus were memorable and made their lives better."
 
Neal served in honorary roles in numerous weddings for former students, including as best man. After retiring to his family home in Meridian, Miss., he served as an adjunct professor for many years at Mississippi State. He also went to casino dealer school in the early 2000s and worked part-time in a casino, where a group of former BC golfers even stopped in to see him during a road trip to New Orleans.
 
Neal was 87 years old.