PHOTO: Clark County Justice of the Peace Albert Neal, right, holds the folded Arkansas state flag that was flown over the state Capitol in his honor earlier this month. Neal is pictured alongside state Sen. Steve Crowell.
By JOEL PHELPS | arkadelphian.com
The December 2024 meeting of the Clark County Quorum Court was an emotional one for longtime Justice of the Peace Albert Neal, who finished a 30-year stint on the county’s legislative panel with honors from the Arkansas Senate.
Neal, 88, is the longest-serving justice of the peace in Clark County history, having maintained a seat as District 4’s representative since 1993. He opened his final meeting with an eloquent invocation. Neal would later wipe tears as county Judge Troy Tucker described him as the epitome of a justice of the peace.
State Sen. Steve Crowell read a proclamation recognizing Neal for his service. Neal was presented with an Arkansas state flag that was flown, in his honor, over the state Capitol on Dec. 5. He was also given a token, plaque and certificate honoring his “steadfast leadership.”
Neal delivered a heartfelt speech to the packed courtroom, several of whom were attending the meeting for Neal’s final goodbye. Neal thanked the citizens of District 4, an historically African-American district, for their support at the polls. Neal also voiced gratitude for those outside his district who supported him over the years. A great deal of thanks were aimed at his wife, Gracie.
Neal’s remarks were met with a standing ovation from the crowd and fellow justices of the peace.
Rev. Llewellyn Terry will represent District 4 on the quorum court beginning in January 2025.