Donald Thomas Neblett

October 7, 1933 ~ January 2, 2025
Born in:
Indian Mound, Tennessee
Resided in:
Fairview, NC
Donald Thomas Neblett, 91, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2025,
surrounded by family.
He was born on October 7, 1933, in Indian Mound, Tennessee, to Peter
Pincham and Ruth Tippit Neblett. He was the youngest of three children including his brother,
Peter P Neblett, Jr and sister, Korinne Neblett (deceased).
Don grew up in Morristown, Tennessee, where he excelled in both academics and athletics
during high school. He attended Carson Newman College before transferring to the University
of Tennessee, where he earned his medical degree in 1955.
After completing his residency, Don began his medical career as a pediatrician in Jonesboro,
Arkansas. During this time he was an active member of First United Methodist Church of
Jonesboro, and served in various leadership roles in the church. Following 12 years in practice,
he returned to the University of Tennessee to teach before pursuing a psychiatry residency at
Duke University, where he served as chief resident. In 1979, he moved to Asheville, North
Carolina, where he established a private practice in family and marriage counseling, continuing
his work until his retirement in 1999.
In 1983, Don married Martha Dunlap Neblett, and they shared 40 happy years together in
Fairview, North Carolina. Don enjoyed gardening, painting, baking, birdwatching, and spending
time with family. He and Martha were also devoted dog lovers, and raised Labrador Retrievers
and King Charles Cavalier Spaniels over the course of their time together. He and Martha were
active members of All Souls Episcopal Church in Asheville, where they found joy in serving their
community.
Don is remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, as well as a
compassionate doctor and mentor. He is survived by his wife, Martha Dunlap Neblett, and his
children: Donald Thomas “Tom” Neblett, Jr. (Margaret Meub), Steven “Whit” Neblett, Martha
“Marty” Rosson Brown, and Charles “Chuck” Rosson (Jan Rosson). He is also survived by his
grandchildren: Mark, Rachel, Christiane, Melissa, Michael, Min, Whitney, Katie, Taylor, Graham,
Elijah, and Rivers, and his great-grandchildren: Hailey, Aiden, Avery, and Roman. Don was
preceded in death by his beloved children Leslie Korinne Neblett, Scott Andrew Rivers, (Pam
Rivers), and Dunlap Rosson.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Givens Highland Farms and Four Seasons
Hospice for their care and support.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests
donations be made to Asheville Humane Society, Manna Food Bank, or Southern Appalachian
Highlands Conservancy
Services
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Donald Thomas Neblett 's name.
Asheville Humane Society
14 Forever Friend Lane
Asheville,
NC
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