Charles Larry Neighbors

Mr. Charles Larry Neighbors, age 87, of Thomaston, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at his residence. A devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather, Larry lived a full and remarkable life centered around faith, family, hard work, and the people he loved. While his family will certainly miss him, there is comfort in knowing that he is reunited with his beloved wife, Mrs. Emily.

Larry was born on February 24, 1939, in Alexander City, Alabama, the son of the late Alvah L. Neighbors and Grace C. Neighbors. The youngest of twelve children, six boys and six girls, Larry grew up on a 120-acre family farm where hard work, responsibility, and family were simply a way of life. Each child had chores to complete, and Larry often recalled the hog killings, butterbean shelling's, and other activities that came with feeding such a large family. Sundays were reserved for attending Fishpond Primitive Baptist Church and visiting with friends and neighbors. His upbringing instilled in him a strong work ethic and an appreciation for family that remained with him throughout his life.

After graduating from Benjamin Russell High School in 1957, Larry attended Auburn University, where he studied Textile Management. While attending Auburn, he worked in the student cafeteria to help pay for his room and board. His years at Auburn also began a lifelong love for Auburn football, and he remained a faithful fan of the Tigers.

Larry began his professional career with E. I. DuPont in the Organic Chemicals Department, working in Atlanta, Georgia, and Charlotte, North Carolina, from 1961 until 1962. On November 4, 1962, he married the love of his life, Emily Hancock, and the couple made their home in Alexander City, Alabama. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, and many wonderful memories.While living in Alabama, Larry worked for Russell Athletic and later Russell Mills, where he served as laboratory manager and superintendent of continuous dyeing. He was also active in his community, coaching Little League baseball, serving as secretary and treasurer of the Colonial Lions Club, and maintaining membership in Alexander City Elks Lodge No. 1878.

Larry proudly served his country for six years in the 280th Communication Squadron of the Air National Guard at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. During his service, he held a top-secret security clearance for cryptographic intelligence.

In 1975, Larry and Emily moved their family to Thomaston, Georgia, where he accepted a position with Thomaston Mills as production manager of dyeing in the Bleachery Division. He quickly became involved in the community, serving as president of the Thomaston Touchdown Club and as an assistant coach for the Kiwanis Cubs baseball team.

In 1983, Larry joined C. H. Patrick in Greenville, South Carolina, as a technical and sales representative, serving accounts throughout several southern states until his retirement in 2003.

 Outside of his professional accomplishments, Larry knew how to enjoy life. He was an avid golfer, a dedicated Auburn football fan, and especially enjoyed fishing in the Gulf with his sons, Jeff and Lee. Some of his happiest memories were made at the family's condominium in Orange Beach, Alabama. It was his happy place, where the days were filled with sunshine, sand, surf, and the laughter of his grandchildren playing endlessly along the beach.

As much as Larry enjoyed his work, golf, fishing, and Auburn football, nothing meant more to him than his family. He was a loving father to his two sons and a proud grandfather to five grandchildren. The memories made together, whether on the water, at the beach, or simply enjoying one another's company, will remain treasured gifts to those he leaves behind.

Larry is survived by his two sons, Jeffery Neighbors (Alicia) and Lee Neighbors (Kristi); and five grandchildren, Kaylee Neighbors, Kara Beth Neighbors, Levin Neighbors, Ashlee Neighbors, and Kyle Neighbors.

In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Emily Hancock Neighbors; and his siblings, Virginia Windham, Ralph Neighbors, Melba Hagan, Justine White, June Rose Neighbors, Nell Forehand, Pat Thompson, Pinson Neighbors, John Neighbors, Joe Neighbors, and Gene Neighbors.

Funeral services for Larry will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 2:00pm, at First Baptist Church of Thomaston. Rev. Bryan McPherson will officiate, and interment will follow at South View Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service at 1:00pm in the church fellowship hall.

For those who wish to do so, please make memorial contributions to the “Pass the Salt” ministry at First Baptist Church, 208 S. Church Street, Thomaston, Georgia 30286.

Fletcher-Day Funeral Home of Thomaston is honored to serve the Neighbors family. Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at fletcherdayfuneralhome.com.

Troy V. Chaney 

Funeral Director & Embalmer

Fletcher-Day Fun