James "Dick" Neubert

James Richard “Dick” Neubert, 88, of Hiawassee, GA passed away peacefully following a long declining battle with Alzheimer’s. He was born on March 3, 1937, in Knoxville, Tennessee to the late Cecil (Pruett) Neubert and James Clifford Neubert. Following graduation from East High School he received his Bachelor of Science degree from University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He joined CIBA Pharmaceutical as a Pharmaceutical Representative, where he was promoted to Hospital Representative, District Manager, Product Director, Executive Product Director, Area Sales Director and Vice President of Sales for CIBA-GEIGY (Novartis). It was also where he met his wife of 44 years, Patricia.

Growing up Dick developed a love of fishing, going often with his Dad on the lakes around Knoxville. Later in life would fish Peacock bass in Venezuela, Arctic Char in Canada, Red fish in the coastal waters off Louisiana and of course his beloved Lake Chatuge. Dick developed his poker playing skills early in life and played with a great group of friends in both Florida and Hiawassee for many years. His love of skeet shooting began when he was transferred to the company ‘s home office in New Jersey. As a member and ultimately a club Director of the Lowanaka Gun Club. Dick traveled to skeet shoots around the northeast. After retirement, he joined Cherokee Gun Club in Gainesville, he competed throughout Florida and in the World Shoot in San Antonio, Texas. Dick’s skill at and love of shooting pool was one of his life’s passions. He often joked shooting pool helped him work his way through college! Perhaps his greatest passion, however, was supporting his favorite team, the Tennessee Volunteers. Go Vols!

Dick and Pat retired to Hiawassee on beautiful Lake Chatuge, where they lived for 33 years. It was here Dick developed an interest in wood turning— which led him to John C. Campbell Folk School where he served on the board for several years. He cherished his fur babies, Oscar and Felix, Barney and Clyde. They were the catalyst for buying their first motorcoach. Pat, Dick, and dogs traveled around the country together and ultimately to Naples, Florida and the Pelican Lake Motorcoach Resort. Fifteen winters gave them many wonderful friends.

Dick is survived by his loving wife Patricia Lena Neubert, his daughter Kelly N. Latka, and grandsons Austin and Connor; his brother in law John X. Lena and wife Margaret; nephews Christopher J. Lena and wife Mette; John S. Lena and wife Debbie and his beloved fur baby Bandit.

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, January 8, 2026 at Sharp Memorial United Methodist Church, Young Harris, GA at 2:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dick’s name to Mountain Shelter Humane Society, 129 Bowling Gap Circle, Blairsville, GA 30512