Neil Bristol Little

Neil Bristol Little – born January 3, 1950, passed peacefully at his home in Franklin on October 23, 2022. Neil is survived by his loving and dedicated wife, Kathleen; his mother, Beverly & Uncle Jack; his son, Ryan and daughter, Casey; his brother Edmond & wife, Shelley. Nephews & Nieces – Brandon, Netalia, Maya, Josh, Mykael & Joseph; Grandchildren… Andre, Ryan Jr, Chase and Sierra, along with a host of 10 Great-Grandchildren. Cousins – Barry, Randy & Maury and their families.

Neil was born in Miami, FL to Robert & Isabel Little (deceased). He attended Edison High School and was known as the hardest hitting 160 lb. All-City linebacker in Miami. After High School, Neil became an Electrician Apprentice on his way to achieving his Master Electrician License. He mentored several of his IBEW349 Brothers in achieving their Master License. Starting in 1985, Neil travelled the Country providing electrical services to major facilities including Power Plants, Paper Factories, the Maxwell House Plant, Rikers Island and a multitude of other large-scale projects.  Neil was extremely proud of being an electrician and enjoyed the many relationships he made along the way. Music and friendship followed him.

In 1987, Neil met the crown jewel and love of his life, Kathleen.  Together they traveled exploring nature’s beauty, finally settling in the mountains of Franklin, N.C. where they both flourished.  During those thirty-five years, Neil used his skills of patience, teaching, discipline, and compassion to help many others find comfort and strength. He did this by just being himself, offering support in a very subtle way but with firm resolve to be honest and stand alongside the person in need.  Despite being challenged by a chronic illness Neil was blessed with incredible energy that was and is admired by family and friends.  His memory inspires us to enjoy every moment of our life.

Neil carried a card with him every day with a quote from Walt Whitman:

“To me, every hour of the day and night is an unspeakable perfect miracle.”

He saw that miracle in everyone and everything.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the IBD Center at Vanderbilt University. Go to the Website: medicine.vumc.org/ibd-center , Select “ Give to Digestive Diseases Center ” on the sidebar, then select Gastroenterology Fellowship Fund . This Fund helps educate future GI Doctors who will go on to save countless lives of those with Digestive Diseases much like they did for Neil. OR plant a tree in his honor

Bryant Grant Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Little family. Online condolences can be made at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com