Kevin James Neal

“Beau” Kevin James Neal was born on May 29, 1975, in Greensboro, North Carolina, to Beverly Lynn Tidwell and James William Irby. His early life was marked by hardship and instability, shaped by a turbulent home and the painful impact of addiction. Kevin was taken from his mother on multiple occasions due to her drug use, and heartbreak followed him early—both his mother and sister ultimately lost their lives to drug overdoses.

Yet Kevin’s story is not one of defeat. It is one of survival, courage, and extraordinary resilience.

While living in foster homes, Kevin became self-reliant by the age of 13. He went to school each day, then worked at a car lot washing cars, and slept in a one-room apartment provided by the owner after discovering Kevin had nowhere else to go. Even as a young teenager, Kevin carried himself with grit and determination, building a life one hard-earned step at a time.

As an adult, Kevin worked relentlessly—repossessing vehicles, traveling long distances, and doing whatever was necessary to survive. During those years, he endured danger and violence, including being shot several times. Still, he kept moving forward. Over the course of his life, he worked in many professions, including construction and cooking, always willing to learn and work.

Eventually, Kevin moved to Utah and graduated from Salt Lake Community College with a degree in Culinary Arts. After being run over by an angry girlfriend—a traumatic event that required several ankle surgeries—Kevin reached a turning point. He made a decision that would define the rest of his life: he chose transformation.

He eventually moved to Utah and graduated from Salt Lake Community College with a degree in “Culinary Arts.”

After being run over by an angry girlfriend, resulting in several operations to repair his ankle, he decided he needed to change his life.

He moved to St. George, Utah, where a friend helped him get back on his feet and even sold him a truck—one of many moments Kevin never forgot, because kindness mattered deeply to him.

Kevin later moved to Ephraim, Utah, enrolled at Snow College, and graduated with an associate degree in Business. While attending a Young Single Adult ward, the bishop asked who he was and why he was there. Kevin answered simply and sincerely:

“I want to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”

When asked why, Kevin gave an answer that reflected the very heart of his life:

“Because everyone who was ever kind or helped me in any way was a member of the Church.”

Kevin was baptized, went through the temple, and for several years, he attended regularly, completing 141 family ordinances as well as work for other individuals.

Kevin also dedicated much of his life to helping others, working for years at various boys’ homes. He would often tell the boys:

“I know what you’re going through. I’ve been there myself.”

He wasn’t speaking from theory. He was speaking from lived experience—offering hope from someone who had walked through fire and came out stronger.

In May 2025, Kevin was diagnosed with cancer in his neck, throat, and tongue. He endured tremendous suffering—losing eight teeth, undergoing radiation and chemotherapy beginning in September, and living at the Hope Lodge in Salt Lake City during treatment. Over the months that followed, he lost nearly 100 pounds, relied on a feeding tube, and faced deep emotional challenges during that difficult time.

Even then, Kevin’s spirit remained evident to those who loved him—his smile, his openness, and the unmistakable goodness he carried.

Kevin passed away on December 22, 2025. He is survived by his beloved daughter, Keziah Lynn Neal, who will forever carry his legacy, strength, and love.

Beau will be deeply missed by all who knew him—remembered for his big smile, open arms, Southern politeness, and the sincere, steady way he made others feel seen and valued. His life stands as a testament to what it means to rise above hardship, to seek light, and to live with a heart that never stopped believing in kindness.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 3, 2026 in the 2nd Ward Chapel (450 N 200 W, Ephraim, UT) at 11:00 a.m. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover burial expenses.