Robert Gideon Neely, husband, step-father and grandfather, brother, and uncle, passed away on March 12, 2025. Robert was born July 17, 1945, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to the late Mildred Gideon Neely and Sidney Landry Neely.

Diagnosed at an early age with epilepsy, Bob learned how to manage his neurological condition while attending schools, pursuing various careers, and in his adult years, becoming co-founder of the Charlotte Epilepsy Support Group, which he served as leader of for many years. Numerous families benefited from Bob’s support and advocacy for individuals with seizure disorders.

Bob attended Andrew’s Junior College and North Georgia Tech majoring in photography. Following graduation, he put that degree to good use working as an assistant and technician in the photo studios of furniture companies in High Point and Raleigh, North Carolina. Eventually making his way to Charlotte, Bob joined the family-owned business, Neely Associates, which launched the Apartment Finder and Home Finder guidebooks, among other business circulations in Charlotte and several other cities. Bob wore many hats, including Distribution Manager, of the publications.

Before Dilworth became the highly sought after historic district it is today, Bob began investing in several properties on Buchanan Street, Ideal Way, Euclid Avenue, and the surrounding areas. After marrying his wife, Patricia, they settled into a lovely home on Winthrop Avenue for many years, admiring how the community had evolved since his first investment. He had found his passion in property management and being a landlord to long-term tenants who appreciated his commitment to providing affordable rent in well-maintained homes.

Bob loved the Dilworth community and was very active in holding several positions on the Board of Directors, Land Use and serving as editor of the Dilworth Quarterly for over 20 years. He was also an enthusiastic volunteer for the Dilworth Jubilee.

In recent years, Bob developed dementia, in part as a result of his unselfish willingness to participate in a leading-edge laser ablation surgery to treat his hypothalamic hamartoma (a benign brain tumor). He understood the chance that the surgery may not successfully cure his seizure disorder but he wanted medical professionals to gain more knowledge through hands on experience to increase the possibility of improving the lives of others with the same condition.

He remained kind and good humored to the end, never missing an opportunity to express his gratitude and appreciation to those who cared for him. His family wishes to express special thanks to the devoted staff at Embrace Health of Southminster as well as Dr. Edwards and Dr. Wu, the staff of Memory & Movement Charlotte, and The Ivey.

Robert is survived by his wife of 29 years, Patricia Prosser Neely, his two step-children Kimberly Jorgensen of Saugerties, NY and Rob Ricketson and wife Jennifer of Bolton Valley, VT, three step-grandchildren, Curtis Jorgensen, Heidi Jorgensen, and Rosa Ricketson, his brother, Sidney Neely Jr., and sister, Elizabeth Neely Heafner and husband Jim, aunts, cousins, several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Beverly Neely Bruce and husband Robert Bruce.

Bob Neely …… A friend to many and a smile for all.

A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Hankins and Whittington Funeral Home, 1111 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203. Robert will be interred at a private service.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in his name to:

· CURE Epilepsy (Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy), 420 N. Wabach Ave., Suite 650, Chicago, IL 60611 (www.cureepilepsy.org)

· Memory & Movement, 411 Billingsley Road, Suite #103, Charlotte, NC 28211 (http://www.mmclt.org)

· The Ivey, 6030 Park South Drive, Charlotte, NC 28210 (www.theivey.com)

Condolences may be made at www.HankinsandWhittington.com