Gudmunder Runar “GR” Asmundsson Neighbors

Gudmundur Runar Asmundsson Neighbors passed away on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family.  Born on November 2, 1957, to Ida Kristjansdottir and Asmundur Magnusson in Reykjavik, Iceland. GR was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

GR is survived by loyal wife, Svava “Annie” Neighbors, daughter Asta Gudmundsdottir, and two sons, Johann and David Gudmundssson. Daughter in law, Candice Gudmundsson and “tag along” daughter, Brandy Charity.  His five grandchildren, Damien Hicks, Sebastian Charity, Stellar, Thora and Ida Gudmundsson.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Ida Kristjansdottir and Asmundur Magnusson, and older brother Gardar Asmundsson.

Growing up in Iceland, GR lived with his mother and two sisters, Ann Mikkelsen and Asta Olafsdottir. Here he started his plumbing entrepreneurship while driving a taxi part time where he met his now wife, Annie.  In June of 1989, GR and his wife and at the time two kids Asta and Johann moved to Coats, North Carolina.  David joining the family in July 1991.

GR started Neighbors Plumbing in 1999 during his time in Coats, NC, later moving the company to a rapidly growing Outer Banks in 2002. Faced with many challenges GR was able to sustain a lucrative company that evolved into Neighbors Plumbing & Mechanical and expanded into Virginia and other various states.  His expertise earned him the title of a “Master” Plumber and gained an abundance of respect from peers within the construction industry. Neighbors Plumbing and Mechanical is his legacy and will continue to grow.

His greatest joys in life were spending time with his family, but mostly his grandchildren.  From Damien Aiden, who carries his middle name Runar to little Ida Ray, his mother’s name’s sake, who made his bright blue eyes light up. Sebastian always amazed him with his intelligence.  Stellar and Thora filled his heart in places he didn’t know were empty.  GR loved his blended family with his huge heart and full of pride.  It was not uncommon to be asked if the grandchildren have had ice cream before breakfast.

GR was an avid Chess player in his spare time.  In the past he was a member of Raleigh’s Chess Club. You would always catch him playing a game on his phone or on his computer after a long day’s work.  He also enjoyed traveling with his wife and travel buddies, Anna and John Belangia. Cruises and road trips were preferred over airplanes.

GR was a huge advocate within the Alcoholic Anonymous community and was proudly 44 years sober.  He was a member of the Coinjock Principles Group and the Grandy Promises group where he sponsored fellow allies.  To his fellow members, please continue to take care of yourself and each other.  And as GR always said, “Don’t drink and go to meetings.”

Please join us in A Celebration of Life September 18, 2024, at the N.C. Cooperative Extension building (120 Community Way Barco, NC) by the Barco YMCA from 2pm-4pm.   In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Outer Banks Relief Foundation or any local food pantry.

Don’t cry for me now I have died, for I’m still here I’m by your side,
My body’s gone but my soul is here, please don’t shed another tear,
I am still here I’m all around, only my body lies in the ground.
I am the snowflake that kisses your nose,
I am the frost, that nips your toes.
I am the sun, bringing you light,
I am the star, shining so bright.
I am the rain, refreshing the earth,
I am the laughter, I am the mirth.
I am the bird, up in the sky,
I am the cloud, that’s drifting by.
I am the thoughts, inside your head,
While I’m still there, I can’t be dead.

Þangað til við hittumst aftur.

Að eilífu í hjörtum okkar.

Please share condolences with the family at www.gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements