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Fred “Curly” Neal

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Fred “Curly” Neal Famous memorial

Birth
Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina, USA
Death
26 Mar 2020 (aged 77)
Houston, Harris County, Texas, USA
Burial
Humble, Harris County, Texas, USA GPS-Latitude: 29.9644268, Longitude: -95.2660532
Plot
Mausoleum
Memorial ID
View Source
American Basketball Player and Entertainer. During his 22-year stint with the Harlem Globetrotters, he played in more than 6,000 games from 1963 to 1985. One of the most recognizable players and entertainers in the team's history, he thrilled crowds with his ball handling and showmanship. Neal started at Johnson C. Smith University, where he averaged more than 23 points per game during his senior year while leading the team to a CIAA title, and was later inducted into the university's Hall of Fame. As a Globetrotter, he was a crowd favorite with his trademark shaved head, infectious smile and ability to dribble circles around would-be defenders. He was a key player during the Globetrotters' most popular era in the '70s and '80s, appearing on TV shows and specials like 'The Ed Sullivan Show,' 'Love Boat' and 'Gilligan's Island.' Neal and the Globetrotters also appeared in numerous TV commercials and had their own cartoon series. In February 2008, his #22 jersey was retired by the Globetrotters, joining Wilt Chamberlain, Marques Haynes, Meadowlark Lemon and Goose Tatum.
American Basketball Player and Entertainer. During his 22-year stint with the Harlem Globetrotters, he played in more than 6,000 games from 1963 to 1985. One of the most recognizable players and entertainers in the team's history, he thrilled crowds with his ball handling and showmanship. Neal started at Johnson C. Smith University, where he averaged more than 23 points per game during his senior year while leading the team to a CIAA title, and was later inducted into the university's Hall of Fame. As a Globetrotter, he was a crowd favorite with his trademark shaved head, infectious smile and ability to dribble circles around would-be defenders. He was a key player during the Globetrotters' most popular era in the '70s and '80s, appearing on TV shows and specials like 'The Ed Sullivan Show,' 'Love Boat' and 'Gilligan's Island.' Neal and the Globetrotters also appeared in numerous TV commercials and had their own cartoon series. In February 2008, his #22 jersey was retired by the Globetrotters, joining Wilt Chamberlain, Marques Haynes, Meadowlark Lemon and Goose Tatum.

Bio by: Louis du Mort



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  • Maintained by: Find a Grave
  • Originally Created by: Louis du Mort
  • Added: Mar 26, 2020
  • Find a Grave Memorial ID:
  • Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/208428766/fred-neal: accessed ), memorial page for Fred “Curly” Neal (19 May 1942–26 Mar 2020), Find a Grave Memorial ID 208428766, citing Rosewood Funeral Home and Cemetery, Humble, Harris County, Texas, USA; Maintained by Find a Grave.