Neal and I met over forty years ago when he began his graduate program under me in Plant Pathology at Auburn University. Our relationship may have begun formally as teacher and student, but soon and most importantly became one of beloved friends and brothers in Christ. Neal was an outstanding graduate student, one of the most intelligent I had the privilege to mentor throughout my career. He completed a very important and fundamental study on viruses that infect cow peas or southern peas in Alabama. His work was subsequently published in two papers in an international journal in plant pathology. On a much less serious note, during Neal’s graduate days. I somehow, and for reasons I’ll never know, gained the nickname "Rowdy Robert"! While I don’t know who gave me that moniker, I had then and still have strong suspicions of its origin. Strangely, it died out after Neal graduated. Go figure.


Neal came to Auburn with a strong faith in Christ, a testimony to his upbringing. And, he grew in the Lord as a faithful and active member of His body here. As he continued his education and then his professional career, our contacts were naturally less frequent. But Neal always kept in touch and informed me about the happenings in his life.


Like all of us, Neal had his share of hills and valleys throughout his life. But, he carried some burdens of health and related issues that many of us haven’t had to bear. I’m convinced Neal persevered because of an abiding faith in God and the undying support of Cheryl and the children. Eventually for whatever reason, our bodies become an unsuitable home for our soul and it returns to God and our bodies to the earth, as part of His creation plan. We know that we are all going to make that transition one day. But Neal has gone on before us and has left a void in many hearts and lives. Our mortal words seem woefully inadequate at times like this.

Neal is there now. And, thankfully through God’s wonderful love and grace, we’ll all be with Neal one day.


I Peter 1:3-9

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope though the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade-keep in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief and all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus is revealed. Though you have seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls."



Written by Dr. Robert Gudauskas, Neal’s mentor and friend