September 5, 2024, 68, Goldsboro —
Kenneth Neil Bartlett, 68, passed away Thursday, September 5, 2024.
A loving husband, father, and son. Neil is survived by his wife Jane Edwards Bartlett, with whom he shared 31 happy years of marriage, his parents Kenneth Melvin Bartlett and Gladys Pearce Bartlett, his two sons Matthew Evan Bartlett and Joshua Lee Bartlett, his stepdaughters Lisa Wise Jordan and Julie Wise Rosa, his grandchildren Michael Ethan Bartlett, Colin Alexander Bartlett, Ashby Todd Jordan Jr., Spencer Everett Jordan, Charlie Alexandra Rosa, and Charles Teagan Rosa, his great-granddaughter Ann Marie Jordan, and his siblings Renee Bartlett Capps, Joseph Alan Bartlett, and Connie Bartlett Anderson.
He was predeceased by his first wife Colette Parker Bartlett, and his granddaughter Saffire Bartlett.
A proud graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Neil’s heart was never far from his beloved Tar Heels. When cheering on his team during an intense game, he could be seen rocking in his favorite chair eating popcorn, or shooting free throws in the driveway during commercial breaks. One thing was certain, he would not sit still the entire game!
After returning from Chapel Hill, Neil dedicated 34 years of his life to the City of Goldsboro, where he faithfully served as the Director of Parks and Recreation and later as Director of Public Works. His leadership and unwavering commitment to this community left a lasting impact on everyone he worked with.
Neil also found great joy in golf and cherished the time spent salmon fishing in Alaska with his brother. Though many expected him to retire to the golf course, Neil surprised all by finding a new passion in woodworking, where he spent countless hours in his wood shop, creating beautiful, intricate pieces that reflected his patience and precision.
Above all, Neil was a devoted family man. He was a dedicated son, always there for his parents and committed to their care, ensuring they were supported with the same quiet dedication he showed in all areas of his life. He treasured his evenings at home with Jane by his side on the back patio relaxing by the fire pit with a cup of coffee or playing frisbee/ball with the two pups. It was always a time for Neil to show Jane what he had accomplished in the workshop that day. There were so many conversations including sharing the funny experiences with the pups. They were the center of his attention and they will greatly miss their “Papa”. Neil adored his sons, he instilled his love for the Tar Heels onto Evan and spent season after season watching games together. He was a lifelong fan of the band The Eagles, which he and Joshua shared many hours listening to while discussing the finer points of music from the 70s.
His quiet strength and humility were the foundation of his character, and those fortunate enough to know him well will forever remember his steady presence and generous spirit. He was extremely proud of his role as grandfather, from spending many summers in the pool with Ethan, Colin, Saffire, Charlie, and Teagan, to shooting hoops with Todd Jr., to ensuring he spent time with his nonverbal grandson Spencer at every family gathering. It is easy to see why he was so adored by all of his grandchildren.
Neil will be deeply missed by his loving family, his pups, his friends, and the countless people whose lives he touched throughout his life and career. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his memory to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the American Heart Association, or the North Carolina Wildlife Federation.
A memorial gathering to honor Neil’s life will be held on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home in Goldsboro.
Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
