Robert Holmes Neel

He attended Cartersville schools through 8thgrade and graduated from Darlington School in Rome.

From there, he went to Emory University where he majored in geology, played soccer, sang in the Glee Club, met his future wife, and was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity. After earning his master’s degree in geology from Oregon State University, he worked as an exploration geologist with Tenneco Oil in Lafayette, LA. But his heart was always back home so he returned to the family farm near White where he spent the rest of his life farming and managing the family business. Through the years he served on several boards including the Bartow County Board of Equalization, Presbyterian Homes of Georgia, Bartow County Farm Bureau, the local hospital, and a local bank. He was a member and past President of the Cartersville Rotary Club and the Euharlee Farmer’s Club. He has served as both deacon and elder in the First Presbyterian Church of Cartersville.

Bob was fortunate to have many friends made through his long and active life in the area. He was known for his humor and storytelling, but also for his wisdom and generosity. Whether a group of hunters, family, farmers, or local businessmen, he was often surrounded by people who were genuinely glad he was there, and he was always ready with a warm handshake and a friendly quip. He was an avid, lifelong outdoorsman, and loved hunting and fishing with family and friends almost as much as regaling the same groups with properly embellished stories about it later. He enjoyed playing with his grandchildren and was always happy to take them around the farm.

Bob is survived by his wife of almost 52 years, Janet Clonts Neel, his children, Christopher (Chelsea) and Lee (Erin), his grandsons Case, Rex, Wyatt, and Cade, and his sisters Sally Neel DeBardelaben and Mary Neel Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a charity Bob supported: either Presbyterian Homes of Georgia (301 E. Screven St., Quitman, GA 31463) or Hickory Log Home (3680 Hwy 411, White, GA 30184).

The family will receive family and friends Saturday, June 28, 2025 from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Owen Funeral Home, 12 Collins Dr, Cartersville, Georgia 30120, followed by a celebration of life service at 2:00 PM.