Shockley’s body was found in the surf south of Rehoboth Beach on Thursday, June 25.

“I’m left with the memory of a philosopher,” said Thaddeus Shockley, “someone who sought to understand the realities of life.”

Thaddeus joined friends and family members at Jesus Love Temple Church in Milford Friday, July 3, to remember Oliver, a 34-year-old Georgetown resident.

Cousin Mary Parker said Oliver – Neal to friends and family – accompanied her on drives home to Slaughter Beach from Delaware State University. Neal was an actor, Parker said, and a naturally persuasive talker.

“If it was a talk with you, it was always a debate with me,” Parker said, pulling laughs from the crowd.

Harold Hazzard said Oliver had a sharp intelligence that he used as an entrepreneur, founding and running an electronics retail and repair business.

“I used to call him a holy hustler,” Hazzard said. “He would sell anything to you.”

The Rev. David Shockley, pastor, delivered the eulogy. One summer night a few years ago, David said, Oliver called him and said, “Cousin David, I gave my life back to the lord.” He was in feverish excitement, David said, and asked to be baptized immediately.

“I looked at my watch and said ‘Maybe we can set something up for the weekend, Neal,’” David said, prompting laughter.

He said it was fitting that authorities found him in the water; as he had been baptized, so he left the Earth.

“They may have found his body, but they didn’t find his soul,” said the pastor.

The open-casket service stretched over two hours and overflowed with tributes and remembrances.

Delaware State Police Sgt. Walter Newton said much about Shockley’s death remains shrouded in mystery.

Though state police determined he drowned, they’re waiting for the results of a toxicology test to rule on the manner of his death. Newton said efforts are ongoing to contact Oliver’s girlfriend, who police believe to be the last person to see him alive. Efforts to contact her have been unsuccessful.

“We had information that he was with her,” Newton said.