Charles "Ricky" Richard Neff, Jr.

Charles Richard Neff Jr, 82, of Southern Pines, NC died on September 1, 2026 at St. Joseph of the Pines in Southern Pines.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 6, at Yates-Thagard Cemetery, 3250 Niagara-Carthage Road in Whispering Pines with Rev. Gregg Newton officiating.

Rick was born on January 24, 1944 in Pinehurst, NC to the late Charles Richard “Dick” Neff and Helen Elnora Talley Neff. He attended Pinehurst High School and went on to work various jobs in the area retiring from the Country Club of NC as a security guard.

Rick loved being outdoors and enjoyed both hunting and fishing – especially when it involved a trip to the Outer Banks to see family. He was a lover of animals, especially dogs; one in particular named Buddy. In his younger days, he was an avid fan of NASCAR, wrestling, and the UNC Tar Heels. Rick was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. He and his brother-in-law, Jerry Darnell, were baptized together in May of 1962.

In November of 1966 he married the love of his life, Kay Ellen Darnell of Niagara, NC. They were married almost 58 years when Kay went to be with her heavenly father. Together, they had one child, Ashley Neff Adams of Jamestown, NC. Rick was the proud grandparent of Wayne “Thomas” Adams IV of Greenville, NC and Rebecca Ellison Adams of Cullowhee, NC.

In addition to his parents, Rick was preceded in death by his wife, Kay Ellen Darnell Neff. For over 60 years they were together more than they were apart. The family would like to thank St. Joseph of the Pines and First Health Hospice & Palliative Care for their outstanding care and services.

Memorial contributions can be made to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church 2237 Camp Easter Rd, Carthage, NC 28327, Gate City Baptist Church 5250 Hilltop Rd. Jamestown, NC 27282, St. Joseph of the Pines 103 Gossman Dr. Southern Pines, NC 28387, First Health Hospice Foundation, 150 Applecross Rd. Pinehurst, NC 28374 or to the animal welfare/rescue agency of your choosing.

Online condolences can be made at PinesFunerals.com.

Fry & Prickett is honored to serve the Neff family.