Charles F. Neese Jr.

Charles F. Neese Jr.

BURLINGTON - Charles Franklin "Petie" Neese Jr., 90, of 3015 S. Mebane St., Burlington, N.C., died Wednesday, March 18, 2009.

Cryptside services will be conducted 4 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2009, at Alamance Memorial Park with the Rev. Howard Thompson officiating.

He was born in Burlington, N.C. on August 29, 1918, the son of the late Elon Heritage and C.F. "Diamond Pete" Neese, who was the first child born in Burlington right after its incorporation from Company Shops. Petie worked closely with his family at their C.F. Neese & Sons Jewelers, a downtown landmark founded in 1872, until his retirement in 1988. He remained a jewelry appraiser until his death.

While growing up, he was associated with his family's Heritage Brothers Circus in the 30s and 40s. He was a World War II veteran in the 82nd Fighter Group, Unit 97 in the Army Air Corps where he was a radio-control communication expert

He had attended Fishborne Military Academy, Burlington High School and Duke University and was a lifelong Iron Duke member.

Petie enjoyed golf at Alamance Country Club, the Elks Club events and fishing at Carolina Beach, home of his family's beloved yacht, The Commandress.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Neese was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Virginia Stanley Neese, his son, Jack Stanley Neese, his second wife, Mildred Davis Neese, and his sister, Martha Neese Humphrey.

Survivors include his daughter-in-law, Jane P. Neese, of Burlington; son, C. F. Neese III, and Kate, of Cedar Key, Fla.; grandchildren, Ellen Jane Neese, and husband, Robert Stoltz, Mendy Lane Neese, Joseph Neese; great-granddaughters, Elana Jane Neese, Madison Lea Neese; sisters, Sarah K. Neese, of Maryland and Emily Neese McCormick, of Southern Pines.

The family will receive friends at the home.

Memorials may be made to the Alamance County Humane Society, P.O. Box 5117, Burlington, N.C. 27216, the Assembly Oaks Retirement Community, c/o Rev. Howard Thompson, 821 Tucker Street, Burlington, N.C., 27215, or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Tributes to the family may be made online at www.ridgefuneralhome.com.