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Hubert Pless Obituary
Born on January 24, 1956, in Chattanooga, Tenn., Al grew up in Mississippi and eventually settled in Athens. Al, also known as Hap, was an avid cyclist who spent most of his professional years implementing renewable energy with the federal government.
Dark chocolate, red wine, and good conversation were among the finer things Al enjoyed. His positive attitude and unconventional worldview helped define a lifetime of world exploration, both physically and spiritually.
Al is survived by his son, Wyatt Pless; mother, Evelyn Collins Pless; sister, Nancy Cole; and many friends worldwide.
A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, at the Taylor-Grady House.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Athens Land Trust.
Berry Funeral Home, Elberton, is in charge of the arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Hubert Pless
Richard "Sky" George
September 27, 2024
Some good times in Athens, GA.
Kelly Dunlop
April 19, 2022
Hello,
My name is Kelly Dunlop. I took care of Al Pless during the last few months of his life. We became close friends and his loss was felt deeply. I helped him when he lived at his townhouse in Leesburg, VA. And I saw to it that he got home to his mother in Georgia. That was 2 months before he died. I met his sister and cousin once when they came to visit him in Leesburg.
No one informed me when he died, or where he was buried. But I was informed that Hospice was involved after he left Leesburg and returned to Georgia, thank goodness. Do you know where he was buried so that, if I pass through I could pay my respects? I wouldn't want to bother his mother or sister.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Kelly S. Dunlop
PO Box 284
315 River Park Lane
Bluemont, VA 20135
(540) 336-7009
Jaynie Hanks Laird
June 27, 2019
This reminder that it is the 6th anniversary of losing our high school classmate brings back so many fun memories of Al. We really tried to find Al while planning our 40th Class Reunion back in June 2013 & no one knew his whereabouts. So sad that he died just a few weeks following our reunion. Will always have fond memories of that wild & fun loving crazy guy!
Jaynie Hanks Laird
Class of 1973
June 27, 2019
Al knew I created art with found objects so one day a box arrived with stuff from my drawers! I did create a piece with mementos from his bicycle races, and other miscellaneous items that were just a glimpse of his well rounded and active lifestyle. He was a blessing and hes missed!
Jenny Treanor
July 1, 2014
I knew Al at MSU around 1975. We both went our ways and somehow reconnected several years ago. He and Wyatt came out west and visited my family and me. He introduced me to The book of Awakening by mark nepo. I had introduced him to Be Here Now by Ram Dass so long ago. I was telling a friend about him today and googled him to find out he had passed a year ago. He was a wise and generous soul. I'm grateful I was able to honor him before this closed. My thoughts are with you, Wyatt .
Jeff Fortney
August 20, 2013
I first met Al in the locker room here at work in Herndon, Va. We shared a mutual fondness for skiing and discussed trips to Vermont. Shortly after that first conversation Al shows up with a "Mad River Glen" bumper sticker (a ski area in Vermont). He donated a towel rack for the men's locker room that is used daily by me and others. Those 2 things will always remind me of Al. When he became ill I would visit him in his cubicle and we would talk and pray. I knew the chemo was very trying, causing nausea, severe at times. I take little comfort in his passing for I have lost one of the few I call friend, but I know where he is and I know I will see him again and that gives me great pleasure. I am thankful he no longer suffers. I am more thankful for the all-too-short time I was blessed with his company. I miss you, Al!
Chuck Cross
July 9, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of Al's passing. Wyatt, please know that you and your family are in my thoughts. I knew Al in Athens as part of a community that included contra dancers, folk music enthusiasts, and bicyclists. I remember him as being so friendly and in such a low-key way. Every time we saw each other the first thing Al did was to walk up and shake my hand.
Susan Durden
July 8, 2013
I worked with Al for a few years in Savannah. He was a bright and shining person. With sympathy.
Dagmar Nelson
July 8, 2013
I met Al during my cycling years and will never forget that July 4th 10 years ago when he suggested an impromptu bike ride and we rode our bikes on many miles of hot country roads to Colbert to watch a smalltown parade. We were healthy and strong and no doubt felt somewhat invincible. Little did we know that both of us would face the same health challenge in the years to come; it changed my life, and ended his. We lost touch over the past years but whenever we crossed paths it was easy to pick up where we left off. I will miss him, and my heart goes out to his close friends and family who must feel this loss so much more. You are in my thoughts.
Sarah Loyd
July 7, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of your great loss. I had the pleasure of working with Al in Elberton. I haven't seen Al in some time but I have fond memories of him. I know he will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.
Skeeter Bell
July 6, 2013
To the Pless family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I went to school with Al and always enjoyed being around Al with his wit and great out look on life he made many people happy.
Al-our senior year playing the Grinch to the elementary children at our school..along with senior classmate Cathy Fulgham.
Jaynie Hanks Laird
July 5, 2013
Graduated with Al from Council Manhattan in 1973 & was very sad to just hear of his illness & passing. He was always a sweet, good looking guy & was loads of fun to be around. We just had our 40th Class Reunion on June 7 and we had no idea where Al was until after the reunion when the news was spread about his passing...as we did try to find him. I even had a photo of him that I took & still had in a scrapbook, when he played the Grinch for the elementary school children our senior year..we had a slideshow presentation from the "good old days" and I had that photo in the slideshow. I am posting it on here..he is pictured with another senior classmate Cathy Fulgham. This photo was also in our senior annual. Lost track of Al after high school & was very sad to get this news about our classmate & friend...he will be dearly missed!
Sincerely,
James Spencer
July 4, 2013
Al left Mississippi long ago and I stayed behind. He and I continued to stay in touch. Al was and all ways will be considered a dear friend of mine. I did not know of the nickname "Hap", but we often called each other "Finley".
Gay & David Crowe
July 4, 2013
Our hearts are heavy for the Pless family. The memories David had with Al are always good ones. We will keep his family in our prayers.
Terrell Austin
July 4, 2013
We are so sad to hear about Al. We have great memories of hanging out when Wyatt and Bryan and Haden were so little. Love to Wyatt, Betsy, and his family. A vibrant person taken way too soon.
July 3, 2013
Such a sad loss to all of us. Al was such a great guy and so good to simply sit down and talk with. He will be missed.
Prayers to Wyatt and all of the family.
Robert Brawner
Alice,Gwen & Mia
July 3, 2013
To the entire Pless Family, You'all are in our prayers.please call us if we can do anything for you'all.
Della Jarrett
July 3, 2013
I am so very sorry to hear of Al's passing...he was my client for over 20 years and he never failed to make me smile ..even during our last conversation a few months ago. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers to all the family,
Jackie Sellers
July 3, 2013
Wyatt and family, Al was a friend from his days as a grad student. We found him to be a true friend and caring person. We will miss him as will many but we are so glad he came our way. Jackie and Brenda Sellers
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