Charles John "Chuck" Neff Jr.

Charles John "Chuck" Neff, Jr.

Charles John Neff Jr., known to family and friends as "Chuck," passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 21, 2026, in Durham, NC. He was 89 years old.

Born in Canfield, Ohio, to Charles John Neff Sr. and Evelyn Neff, Chuck learned the value of hard work early through his parents' dedication to the Neff Company. He spent his entire career at Ernst and Young, retiring early as a partner in 1995.

In 1957, he married the love of his life, Mary Macgregor Neff, in Ohio. Their 68 years of marriage were the foundation of a strong and growing family. Together they raised four children: Laurie (Raleigh, NC), Tory (husband Dan St. Louis, MO), Chip (wife Janice Raleigh, NC), and Scott (wife Kathy Greensboro, NC).

Chuck took great pride in being a grandfather to Meredith and Heather, Mac (Erin, St. Louis, MO), Maryanne and Maggie, Jackson, Tatum and Reagan, Mary and John; and great-grandfather to Mary Ellis.

In addition to his wife, children, and grandchildren, he is survived by his sister, Marilyn Miles (Dave, Fredericksburg, VA); and his brother, Jim Neff (Bunny, Newport News, VA).

Chuck graduated from Dartmouth College and completed his education at the Tuck School of Business. During this time, he and Mary began building their life together and started their family in Hanover, NH.

He devoted his life to the three things that meant most to him: his family, his work, and the outdoors. When he wasn't at home in Richmond, he could often be found at his happy place in Bavon, VA, enjoying the water and the quiet beauty of nature. Later in life, he and Mary moved to North Carolina to be closer to family, first settling in Roxboro and eventually in Durham.

Chuck's garden, alive with flowers and bird feeders, stood as a reflection of his character. It thrived because of his daily attention and determination, much like the family and career he built over a lifetime. He especially loved planting mums. They were his favorite flower, partly because his wife, Mary, is lovingly called "Mum Mum" by their grandchildren.

Chuck will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic and deep devotion to the people he loved most. His legacy lives on in the family he built, the traditions he created, and the quiet example of integrity and determination he set for generations to follow. Our entire family would like to thank Janice Evans and her amazing team of caregivers.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Mathews Land Conservancy to help keep Chuck's conservation dream alive in Bavon, Va.

Donations can be made at: www.mathewslandconservancy.org or mailed to: Mathews Land Conservancy, PO Box 306, Mathews, VA 23109

Please note "In Memory of Charles Neff" in the memo line.

Hanes Lineberry Funeral Home

Greensboro, North Carolina