Caryl "Moxie" Neel Putman, age 90 of Ellijay, passed away peacefully Friday, January 24, 2025, at Manor Lake.

Caryl was born on April 15, 1934, to Ralph Heard Neel and Catherine McDonald Neel of Thomasville, Georgia. Caryl attended Thomasville High School where she was a top academic student, captain of her cheerleading team, and multi-sport athlete. She loved Thomasville for its beauty and culture and was incredibly proud of her parents who founded Neel's Department Store which became a Thomasville landmark. Upon graduating with honors, she attended Florida State University before deciding on the medical field as her chosen profession. She left to pursue specialized medicine at the University of Maryland, Columbia University and graduated from Emory University in Atlanta with a BS degree in Nursing.

Caryl was named the Head of Surgical Operations at Archbold Memorial Hospital where she was known for her brisk pace throughout the hospital halls, sharp innovative strategies, and kind disposition that allowed her to hold that position for over forty years. She was a consummate professional with numerous "Employee of the Year" awards. She was a tireless, dedicated, and loyal employee who helped establish a culture of excellence that carried the hospital to a top-tier status in medicine.

Caryl had an incredible heart, a selfless personality, and a gracious soul who befriended countless fortunate individuals who crossed paths with her. She loved her family deeply and they were the center of her life. Caryl was later lovingly named and referred to as "Moxie" because of her courageous spirit, determination, and perseverance. Caryl had a beautiful soul and her ability to make friends was a special gift. Caryl held many special friends dear to her heart but had a special group known as the "Big 6" who were born on the same street in Thomasville and maintained a bond that lasted an amazing 85 years. Upon retiring from Archbold Memorial Hospital Caryl moved to Ellijay and quickly became a well-known distance runner and tennis enthusiast.

Caryl is survived by three sons, Michael Putman (Gina) of Ellijay, GA, Steve Putman (Lisa) of Cumming, GA, and Jeffrey Putman (Kelly) of Roswell, GA; her beloved grandchildren Laura Leigh Penland (Bryan), Neel Putman, Katie Putman, Mary Carter Freeman (Andrew) and Kylie Putman and her cherished great-grandchildren Ezra McClure, Elias McClure, John David Penland and James Penland. Caryl is preceded in death by her husband Dave and her parents Ralph and Catherine Neel.

A celebration of Moxie's life will be held on Saturday, February 8th at 3 pm from the Chapel of Bernhardt Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, February 8th from 1 pm until the service hour at 3 pm.

Bernhardt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.