Gilder Martin Neel, Jr., 76, of Newberry passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, November 12, 2023. Just the day before, he celebrated one last Clemson Tiger victory where he sang his beloved alma mater, as he did traditionally. For Gilder, there were no more beautiful words than "Where the Blue Ridge yawns its greatness; where the Tigers play; here the sons of dear Old Clemson, reign supreme alway."

Born on June 11, 1947, in Newberry, Gilder was a son of the late Louise Dorroh and Gilder M. Neel, Sr. He grew up in the Bush River community and graduated from Newberry High School. He attended Clemson University and was a member of the first non-military class.

Following school, he moved home and joined his family business, Neel Brothers Farm. He was a hard worker, and though life as a farmer was tough, he enjoyed farming and took pride in working his family's land.

Gilder was a member of Smyrna Presbyterian Church, where he formerly served as a deacon and youth leader. He was a member of the Adult Sunday School Class.

He was a true outdoorsman and especially enjoyed bird hunting, traveling and playing cards. Most recently, his favorite pastime was playing Setback with his brother, James, and cousins, Olin and David Dorroh.

Gilder was always up for adventures such as chauffeuring trips to Nascar races, family beach trips, and any Clemson sporting event. Above all, he treasured his time with family, and he took advantage of every opportunity to be with them. He was enormously proud of his daughters and their husbands, and his three grandsons. He will be deeply missed.

Gilder is survived by his wife of 54 years, Rosalind Porter Neel; daughters, Debra N. Holliday (David) of Kingstree, SC and Kathy N. Montgomery (Sean) of Newberry, SC; grandchildren, Sam Holliday, Jake Montgomery, and Jackson Montgomery; brothers, James R. Neel, Sr. (Jo Ann) and William A Neel; brother-in-law, Jerry Porter (Brenda); special cousins, Shelby Fulmer (Ronnie) and Olin Dorroh (Kathy); special friends, David, Misty, AnaClaire, Carrington and Lucy Owens, Jeff, Jennifer, Bella Rae and Tilson Sandlin, Joey Nicosia and Niki Perkins; nephews, cousins, and other extended family.

Services to celebrate Gilder's life will be held on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.at Smyrna Presbyterian Church, led by Rev. Dan Ratchford. The family will greet friends following the service in the family life center.

Honorary Pallbearers are David Owens, Jeff Sandlin, Alain Dennis, David Dennis, and Jimmie Lee Shaw.

In the lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Smyrna Presbyterian Church, 32 Smyrna Road, Newberry, SC  29108.

Memories and messages may be shared with the family here on his tribute page.

Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the Neel family.