Nathaniel Palmer Neblett

Nathaniel (“Nat”) Palmer Neblett departed this life on March 5, 2024 to be with the Lord and his beloved wife, Margaret (“Mardie”) Heath Hammack Neblett, who preceded him in death.  He was also preceded in death by parents Nathaniel Randolph Neblett and Mary Katherine Palmer Neblett, and brother Cary Harrison Neblett.  He is survived by brother MacFarland Neblett, son Nathaniel Heath Neblett, son Christopher Palmer Neblett, daughter in law Susan Lea Edwards, and granddaughter Isabel Edwards Neblett.

Nat was born July 22, 1936 in Lawrenceville, VA.  He graduated from Warrenton (VA) High School and attended Hampden-Sidney College before graduating from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture in 1960.  He served on active duty as an officer in the United States Coast Guard from 1960 through 1964 and retired from the Coast Guard Reserve with the rank of Commander in1981.  Nat married the love of his life, Mardie, in October 1962.  He was employed as an architect with various firms in Virginia from 1964 through 1974, worked for the National Trust for Historic Preservation in Washington, D.C. from 1974 to 1980, and concluded his career in the field of historic restoration as a private consultant.  Concurrent with his pursuit of private practice, he earned a Master’s Degree in Planning from the University of Virginia in 1985.  Upon retirement from active practice in 1997, he relocated to Lawrenceville, VA.  

Nat’s work in the field of historic restoration encompassed many projects in his native Virginia and other locales over the course of a distinguished career.  Most recently, this included Christ Church in Lancaster County, VA and Fort Christanna in Brunswick County, VA.  He was appointed chairman of the Fort Christanna Site Planning Commission by the county Board of Supervisors and oversaw the development of the site as a scenic attraction.   He completed a detailed survey to certify downtown Lawrenceville as a historic center and was involved in other projects associated with efforts to revitalize downtown.  He was also active in many community affairs in his retirement, including serving on the board of the Southside Senior Citizens’ Center for over 20 years. 

Nat was a faithful member of Lawrenceville Presbyterian Church and served as a lay minister there for several years, during which time he took divinity courses at Duke University.  He also preached

at Ogden Chapel, a Presbyterian church in rural Brunswick County, for many years.

Nat was tireless in his efforts to ensure the welfare of his intellectually disabled son Nathaniel, founding a non-profit group home Hebron in 1984 that housed Nathaniel and, for a time, three other intellectually disabled adults.  Nathaniel has since moved to a group home where he continues to flourish.  

Nat will be remembered as an accomplished man and devout Christian.   He possessed a tremendous intellect and had great compassion for the welfare of people and animals alike.  He will be greatly missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.

A funeral service will be conducted 2 p.m. Saturday, March 16 at Williams Funeral Home in Lawrenceville, VA, followed by internment at Oakwood Cemetery.  Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Friends of Fort Christanna, Inc., Southside Senior Citizens Center, or the charity of your choice.