Frederic Douglas Neal "Curly"

May 19, 1942 - March 26, 2020

Frederic Douglas' Obituary

Obituary

Frederic Douglas Neal

"Curly"

1942-2020

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS LEGEND CURLY NEAL PASSES AWAY AT 77

Neal was one of most dynamic dribblers and shooters in basketball history

– Fred "Curly" Neal – the Harlem Globetrotters icon known worldwide for his trademark shaved head and infectious laugh – passed away this morning in his home outside of Houston at the age of 77.

Born in Greensboro, North Carolina , Neal attended James B. Dudley High School and Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina from 1959 to 1963. At Smith, he averaged 23.1 points a game and was named All- Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) guard. ^[1]

Neal played for 22 seasons (from 1963 to 1985) with the Globetrotters, appearing in more than 6,000 games in 97 countries. His shaved head earned him his nickname, a reference to the Three Stooges ' Curly Howard , and made him one of the most recognizable Globetrotters.

In the 1970s, an animated version of Neal starred with various other Globetrotters in the Hanna-Barbera animated cartoon Harlem Globetrotters as well as its spinoff, The Super Globetrotters . The animated Globetrotters also made three appearances in The New Scooby-Doo Movies . Neal himself appeared with Meadowlark Lemon , Marques Haynes , and his other fellow Globetrotters in a live-action Saturday morning TV show, The Harlem Globetrotters Popcorn Machine , in 1974–75, which also featured Rodney Allen Rippy and Avery Schreiber . ^[2] Neal also appeared in The White Shadow , The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan's Island , and The Love Boat . ^[3]

Between 1963 and 1985 - before the internet and cable television really existed-it was Curly Neal and the Harlem Globetrotters who first introduced the sport of basketball to millions of people around the world for the first time. And it was Curly's magical ball-handling, shooting, charismatic smile and iconic bald head in more than 6,000 games in 97 countries that made them start to play and fall in love with the game.  One of the truly magical dribblers and shooters in basketball history, Neal fittingly played for 22 seasons in the red, white and blue, wearing No. 22.

"We have lost one of the most genuine human beings the world has ever known," said Globetrotters General Manager Jeff Munn."His basketball skill was unrivaled by most, and his warm heart and huge smile brought joy to families worldwide. He always made time for his many fans."

On Feb. 15, 2008, Neal became just the fifth Globetrotter in the team's illustrious history to have his jersey number retired, joining Wilt Chamberlain, Marques Haynes, Meadowlark Lemon and Goose Tatum. Neal's famous number 22 was lifted to the rafters during a special ceremony at New York's Madison Square Garden.  Since then, there have been a total of eight numbers retired.

Neal was part of one of the most extraordinary eras in the team's history, appearing on several popular television programs and specials, including "ABC's Wide World of Sports," "CBS Sports Spectacular," "The Ed Sullivan Show," "The Harlem Globetrotters Popcorn Machine," "The Love Boat," "The White Shadow" and "The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan's Island." He also appeared in numerous national TV commercials and was immortalized in animation on "The Harlem Globetrotters" cartoon series and on episodes of "Scooby Doo."

After an outstanding career at James B. Dudley High School in his hometown of Greensboro, N.C., Neal starred at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, N.C., where he averaged over 23 points per game and led his team to the CIAA title his senior year. He was inducted into the 2008 class of the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, along with the renowned Roy Williams, coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels.

Neal, who would have turned 78 on May 19,  was also a recipient of the Harlem Globetrotters' prestigious "Legends" ring, presented to those who have made a major contribution to the success and the development of the Globetrotters organization. Each honoree exemplifies the Harlem Globetrotters' humanitarian contributions and it's the second highest honor a former player can receive outside of jersey retirement.

In the latter years of his life, Neal continued to make public and promotional appearances for the Globetrotters, bringing smiles to a new generation of fans.

The Harlem Globetrotters® are legendary worldwide, synonymous with one-of-a-kind family entertainment and great basketball skills for the past 93 years. Throughout their history, the Original Harlem Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 124 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans – among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents – over nine thrilling decades. The Ambassadors of Goodwill are sponsored by Baden Sports, the Official Basketball, Champion, the Official Uniform & Apparel provider, Tum-e Yummies, the Official Fruit Flavored Drink, Carnival Cruise Line, Inc., and Nationwide Children's Hospital. Harlem Globetrotters International, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Herschend Enterprises, the largest family-owned themed entertainment company in the U.S.

Remembering Curly's parents Katie Carter Neal (Mother) James Watkins Neal Sr. (Father) Brother-James Watkins Neal Jr (Greensboro, NC), Sister-Marion Gilliard of (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania). Children-Rocurl Neal (Charlotte, North Carolina), LaVerne Neal Sumlin (Atlanta, Georgia), Toi Neal Sanders (Los Angeles, California), Ricky Neal (Asheville, North Carolina), Pamela Candler (Florida), Twelve Grandchildren, Five Great Grandchildren and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends whom he cherished.

Curly and Linda became soul-mates April of 2013 and resided in Houston, Texas where he passed away in his home outside of Houston at the age of 77.

COVID -19 and Social Distancing will strictly be enforced. Walkthrough where individuals, one at a time will have an opportunity to privately pay respects to Curly.

REMEMBERING

Frederic Douglas Neal

"Curly"

Friday, April 10, 2020

Flowers sent to: Ross Mortuary

3618 Lyons Ave

Houston, Texas 77020

Interment

Rosewood Memorial Park

Chapel Mausoleum

2602 S. Houston Ave.

Humble, TX.  77396

281-441-2171

Visitation: 10:00-12:00

Services: 12:00-1:00 (Family and Friends)

Acknowledgements

The family of Frederic Douglas Neal "Curly" acknowledge with sincere gratitude your acts of love and kindness during the home going of our loved one. We appreciate your compassion, extended prayers, and the love shown during our most difficult hour of bereavement. The kindness shown to our loved one has meant more than words can express. We sincerely thank you. May God continue to bless and keep you.