Julian Wylie Neville

Julian Wylie Neville of Rabun Gap, Georgia was reunited with his loving wife, Martha Grist Neville, in their heavenly home when he was promoted to the Church Triumphant on May 20, 2023 with his family by his side. He was born on May 1, 1928, to the late Walter E. (Buck) Neville and Kate Haulbrook Neville.

Wylie is survived by his daughter, Cynthia, and son-in-law, Kent Wilson, daughter-in-law Tina Sanders Neville, grandson Brannon Neville, granddaughter Abby (Jesse) Laughter, great grand children, Cayden and Alina Laughter, and son Mark Neville.

Special thanks go out to Wylie’s dedicated team of caregivers including Mary Lou Faulkenberry, Linda Owenby, Janine Horner, Gail McCoy, Linda Jones, Vondorous Jack, Oliva Dixon and Bethany Cortes. Dr. Timothy Scott Beck and staff members, Kristin Mote and Gracie Mote, went above and beyond in administering to Wylie’s medical needs and their expert care is sincerely appreciated. Susan Robb of Amedisys Home Health worked with both Wylie and Martha for the past several years providing physical therapy.

Wylie spent his younger years helping on the family farm where he was responsible for tending to the crops and animals. He and his older brother traveled about the county on the family tractor where they mowed and bailed hay for other families in the surrounding communities. After graduating from Rabun Gap Nacoochee School, Wylie attended the University of Georgia for a time before he began a career at the General Motors plant in Doraville, Georgia. In 1950 he married the love of his life, Martha Grist, and they made a home in Atlanta, Georgia. When the Korean Conflict began, Wylie was called to service in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Puerto Rico after the completion of his basic training. Upon entering the service Wylie was then referred to by his first name of Julian as is the way of the armed forces. From that point forward he became Julian to many, but in Rabun County most still know him as Wylie. After his enlistment ended, Wylie and Martha returned to Atlanta where they resumed their careers and raised their family. Wylie resumed working for General Motors at the Doraville plant where he eventually retired after thirty-six years.  During his employment, he served in various capacities including his final position as Materials Supervisor. Wylie was a Master Mason for over fifty years and also served as an Elder at the Doraville ARP in Doraville, Georgia.

Retirement brought Wylie and Martha home to Rabun County where they were both born and raised. They stayed true to their mountain heritage and settled on family property. They joined Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church where Wylie’s Mother was one of the founding members. Over the next thirty years, they fulfilled a dream they never thought possible in their younger years. They visited all forty-eight states in the continental U. S. as they traveled in their motor home. They visited Hawaii, toured parts of Europe and cruised Alaska, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean. They met wonderful people along the way, many of whom would become great friends and traveling companions for years to come.

In addition to being cared for by his loving daughter and son-in-law, and faithful caregivers, Wylie was also under the compassionate care of the staff of Amedisys Hospice in his final days.

The family will receive friends at Beck Funeral Home Thursday May 25, 2023 from 5:00 PM until 7:00Pm. A Celebration of Life service will be held Friday May 26, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church with Rev. Don Barber Officiating.  

Memorials may be made in Wylie’s memory to the New Building Fund for Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church, Post Office Box 333, Rabun Gap, Georgia 30568.

Beck Funeral Home in Clayton, Georgia is in charge of the arrangements. If there are any questions, please call 706-746-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.

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