Rev. Max Bristol

The Honorable Shepherd, Max Bristol, 62, transitioned Saturday, December 19, 2020 at his residence following a period of declining health surrounded by his loved ones. Mr. Bristol was born on November 27, 1958 in Burke County, Morganton, NC to the late Horatio Bristol II and Hazel Surratt Bristol. Max was later raised, and then adopted by the late Bernice Mooney Friday. Her nurturing and loving care of him earned him the nickname “Grease.”

Max was a 1977 graduate of Freedom High School. He was a Marine; his tour with the United States Marine Corp was 1977-1980 with an Honorable discharge as Rank E-3, 0311 Rifleman Adm Non-Commissioned Officer for training. He graduated from Pfeiffer University, Misenheimer, NC in 1984.

Shepherd Max Bristol was the Pastor of New Hope in Christ Baptist Church from 1991 until the time of his passing. He was ordained to preach in 1989 under the watchful eye of Dr. Ralph May, Pastor of Zion Baptist Church. His service in the community included working with the Morganton Housing Authority and NC Department of Prison Facilities where he served in the prison ministries for over 34 years. He was also an instructor at Western Piedmont Community College and trainer for the Water and Energy Savings Corporation.

Max was a man of distinguished character. He will be greatly missed. He will be remembered for his spirit-filled knowledge of the Gospel that he shared everywhere he went. Max had a sense of humor, a brilliant smile and was kind to everyone he met. He leaves behind a legacy he lived for. We are not mourning the fact that we lost him but celebrating the fact that we got to know him. The tears we shed are tears of joy. Max did things he wanted to do and did not have examples set for him. He was a writer, good listener and he taught the word of God to where a child understood it. His strength, courage and grace during his struggles inspired us as a family. He never looked like what he was going through. He chose quality of life over quantity. Of all the “hats” he wore, the compassionate hat was most remembered, at home, at church or secular jobs. Being the father of three brilliant children in whom he was proud, they were all raised in the church. Even when the children went off to college, they made it a habit to drive home for church on Sundays and that is attributed to their dad.

Max’s most treasured role was to serve God. He was the hardest, most selfless worker and always went an extra mile, with a smile. His most accomplished role was providing for his family. He always worked a secular job and everything he did was for his family. His enduring charm, infectious smile and unparalled sense of humor will be sorely missed. He never complained. He sacrificed much. His determination and spirit will be remembered forever.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Horatio Bristol III.

He leaves behind his wife and best friend of 34 years, Doris; his beautiful adult children, Deaconess Tiera Bristol, Pastor LaTrese Lyerly (Antonio) and Max Bristol II; his dear sisters, Sandra Bristol, Sherry McLaurin Bristol, Rebecca Davis (Lauren); his loving brothers, James Bristol (Catrina), Herbert Bristol (Harriet), Johnny Bristol (Francine); his dear uncle, Johnny Surratt; his sincere brother-in-law, Shaun Norman; as well as a host of cousins and a multitude of friends who will never forget him. Max was blessed with 5 adorable grandchildren, Grecyn, Logan Max and Tegon Lyerly, Bradley Dorsey and Princess TiJhae Summers. Max was blessed with so many close friends who were so supportive during his brief illness as well as his high school Class of ‘77, and to that he was so grateful.

Max was a true gentleman and an impeccable dresser, a true man of God, the greatest husband a wife would ever have and the greatest father a child could ever ask for. He was a living example for a great testimony! His unfailing, unusual knowledge of the Gospel was amazing! He was truly a believer and someone who found joy in everything he did. He found true peace in his belief in God and we find comfort in knowing he will be forever watching over us.

Rev. Bristol will lie in state for the family and friends to view from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, Monday December 28, 2020 at Sossoman Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00pm on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at New Hope in Christ Baptist Church. Military honors will be provided by the US Marines and Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard. The service will be livestreamed on Sossoman Funeral Home Facebook page. A private family burial will be held Wednesday at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to his church, New Hope in Christ Baptist Church, PO Box 101, Morganton, NC 28680 in Max’s memory.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.