Robert James Neel

January 27, 1950 - August 22, 2022

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Buncombe Street United Methodist Church

200 Buncombe Street

Greenville, SC 29601

Saturday 8/27, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Buncombe Street United Methodist Church

200 Buncombe Street

Greenville, SC 29601

Saturday 8/27, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Robert “Bob” James Neel, 72, was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend to everyone he met. With his family at his side, he left this world on August 22, 2022, after a very brief but courageous battle.

He was born to the late Norma and Robert “RP” Neel on January 27, 1950, in West Point, NY. Bob met the love of his life, Karen Tippett, while both were students at Furman University. Bob and Karen married shortly after graduation, eventually welcoming two daughters, and with time, sons-in-law and grandchildren.

For many years, Bob and Karen made a happy home in Belmont, NC where they raised their family and made many wonderful life-long friends. After retirement from Duke Energy, Bob and Karen took a leap of faith relocating to Greenville, SC, allowing them to enjoy the “everyday normal” with their grandchildren. In Greenville, Bob and Karen were quickly embraced by a wonderful church family and reconnected with their Furman friends.

Bob openly and frequently told his wife and family how much he loved them. He chose his friends based on their character. Bob laughed often and freely with a joyfully infectious laugh that was uniquely his own. He loved beach music, Bruce Springsteen, sports cars, and motorcycles. He loved a good party where the beer was cold and free. Bob was a good man, and we are all the better for having loved and been loved by him.

Bob is survived by his wife of 50 years, Karen Neel; daughters, Julie Neel Tindall (Matt) and Kimberly Neel Wunder (Seph); grandchildren, Will Tindall, Lydia Grace Tindall, Phen Wunder, and Katherine Wunder; brother, Donald Vaughn Neel (Mary); sisters-in-law, Kay Raymond and Carolyn Tippett; many nieces, a nephew, and their spouses and children who always loved their Uncle Bob.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 27, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at Buncombe Street United Methodist Church, followed by the Visitation at the church from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Friends are encouraged to leave condolence messages for the family by clicking on the button labeled “Leave A Message, Share A Memory” below.

Buncombe Street United Methodist Church

200 Buncombe Street

Greenville, SC 29601

Map

Saturday 8/27, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Buncombe Street United Methodist Church

200 Buncombe Street

Greenville, SC 29601

Map

Saturday 8/27, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

See Condolences

It is from working with Bob at Duke Power a number of years that I know what a fine man he was. He was energetic, creative and inspirational. A true example of effective leadership.

May this tree create an ongoing reminder of Bob's love for family, friends, and the great outdoors. Love, Lynn and Mike James

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Robert Neel . Plant a Tree

Bob was a wonderful Duke Energy and FPC Church friend. He always had a great attitude and was always willing to help others. Our prayer are with your family and many friends.

With deepest sympathies to the Neel family on the loss of precious Bob. My heart and warmest wishes are with you!

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Robert Neel . Plant a Tree

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Karen, I just found out last night! I was looking forward to seeing you and Bob at Homecoming. I am so sorry for your loss! He will be missed! Love

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Robert Neel . Plant a Tree

Karen, so sorry to hear this news. Bob will be missed by so many people he touched. That smile could light up a room! Condolences to you and your family.

We have known Bob since our freshman year at Furman. A great guy and a good friend over all of these years. He was a pleasure and we will miss him. Loved his laugh! John and Cathy Crabtree

With heartfelt condolences, Paul, Darlene and Bella Grace Sparks

White Orchid Planter was purchased for the family of Robert Neel by Darlene Sparks. Send Flowers

A tree was also planted in memory of Robert Neel

Bob was such a good friend. We dropped a 50 gallon water balloon on him as he came in the bottom floor. He was so mad until I started to laugh and he started laughing. I'm glad I was a friend because he might have killed me. I knew them that he was a super guy. We met on I-85 years later and we pulled into the emergency lane and reminisced about our lives until a state trooper told us to move out or get a ticket. Loved that guy. Great sense of humor, I know we will all miss him.

Karen, So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Leeta

Karen...Julie and Kim. Your husband and father was a great man. Lots of memories of him when we were just little kids Julie. What and infectious smile. Prayers..love..and hugs for all from the Lewis Family

From the Lewis Family. Randy, John, Kurt and Rita Lewis. From the late Bill and Libby Lewis on McKnight st Belmont. We love you all. Hugs.

The Sunny Sentiments Bouquet was purchased for the family of Robert Neel by Randy Lewis. Send Flowers

A tree was also planted in memory of Robert Neel

So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He is in a much better place with the Lord of all creation! Cherish your memories until you are all together again. God Bless you all in this time of sorrow.

In loving memory of our dear friend, Bob. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Neel family.

Cherished Friend Bouquet was purchased for the family of Robert Neel by Anonymous. Send Flowers

Bob was my direct supervisor two different times at Duke. He was an amazing leader who showed me the perfect balance between compassion and courage. He was such an important part in my professional and personal development and I will always remember him for that. My sincere condolences to those he has left behind. Must be a huge void.

Our heartfelt condolences to you and all the family.

We pray the love of God enfolds you during your journey through grief.

Rays Of Solace Bouquet was purchased for the family of Robert Neel by Nick and Cynthia Perkins. Send Flowers

Cynthia and I are truly saddened to learn of Bob's passing. We are so glad we got to see him and Karen briefly last year at Furman homecoming. It is comforting to remember Bob as he was in those college days: young, fun full of passion, strong and hearty. Time will not erase his memory from our hearts.

My sincerest condolences for your loss. I remember Bob as someone who was always fun to be around. Karen, you and your family are in my prayers.

Eternal Friendship Remembrance Bouquet was purchased for the family of Robert Neel by Johnny Morris. Send Flowers

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Love: Rex, MB, Trey & Mollie Raymond

Sleep In Peace Wreath was purchased for the family of Robert Neel by Anonymous. Send Flowers

Uncle Bob, You were more than an uncle, more than an idol. I’ll always cherish those Thanksgivings we spent outside smoking Turkeys, watching football, and working on RP’s cars. You always did things the right way and made sure to check on me when I needed it. You set the bar and will be sorely missed. See you on the other side. Love, Rex

I introduced Bob to Karen, and they had 50+ wonderful years together. He will be missed, but his love for his family and friends with live on. Bob always got me when I asked what was his favorite beer? He would always laugh and answer "cold & free". Bob was a great example of it is not what we do while we are here, but what we leave behind. He left a legacy of family and friends.
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Bob was the best! Condolences to Karen and his daughters and the rest of the family.

Cherished Friend Bouquet was purchased for the family of Robert Neel by John Wolfrom. Send Flowers

A tree was also planted in memory of Robert Neel

We are sorry for your loss.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Robert Neel . Plant a Tree

Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. I am so sorry for your loss.

Karen, Julie, Kim and families, You are all in our thoughts and prayers and will remain there. Bob was such a joy to be around and he will be missed by so many. The McClellan and Green families

There were many difficult and many happy times when Bob and Karen were at my side Bob and I loved our Mustang convertibles, laughing and of course, talking, talking, talking. Yes, I am a better person for having known and loved Bob Neel.

What a beautiful tribute, to a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. Many, many fun memories of Bob and the Neel family throughout out the years. His laugh was infectious and he always had a smile on his face. He will be missed. You are all in my prayers at this most difficult time.

A tribute to a wonderful man and his beautiful family. Matthew 5:4

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Robert Neel . Plant a Tree

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.