Harold James Bristol

Obituary of Harold James Bristol What matters most in life? For Harold, it was faith and family. Born in Alpine Township to Eldon and Mabel (Hindenlang) Bristol on June 24, 1939, he became a Christian at a young age while attending Englishville Baptist Church. His father worked at the Muskegon Piston Ring Company in Sparta and his mother was a Sunday school teacher. He was the youngest of three sons, his brothers were Ed and Erwin. Harold’s parents and brothers preceded him in death. After graduating from Sparta High School’s class of ‘57, Harold attended the Flint Institute of Barbering. During this time, his cousin June, played matchmaker as he began dating the love of his life, Faye Ann Fullmer, of Sparta. The couple wed on April 25th, 1959. After a Smokey Mountain honeymoon, they settled into married life in Sparta, raising their family. Harold built and operated the Varsity Barber Shop in Sparta for over 40 years until his retirement. While barbering, he also got his real estate license. In the early 1960s, he was a leader of the Boys Brigade at Sparta Baptist Church. He later served the community during the 1980s as a member of the Sparta Township Zoning Board until he moved back to Alpine Township, to a new home on the Mill Creek his old stomping grounds while growing up. Through out his life, Harold lived his faith. He knew the little things - like taking grandchildren out for a treat - can make a big impact in their lives because it’s the time invested in others that makes all the difference... in their lives and his. After several years of declining health, Harold peacefully slipped into eternal life with family by his side on September 5th, 2020, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. A private service for immediate family will be held with a memorial service to follow at a later date. Harold is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Faye Ann, as well as their five children who will always cherish his memory: Loretta and Steve Baughan of Merrill, Wisconsin; Lynda and David Freeman of Comstock Park, Michigan; Larry Bristol of St Petersburg, Florida; Art and Corey Ledin-Bristol of Greenville, Michigan; and Lee and Holly Bristol of Kent City, Michigan. He was adored by his grandchildren: Sabrina Baughan, Dustin Baughan, Joshua Baughan; Tiffany Freeman; David and Jackie Freeman; Noah Bristol; Jonathan Bristol; Leah Bristol; Katie Bristol; Jared Bristol; River and Jacob Couturier. Harold also leaves three great-grandchildren: Josiah, Caleb, and Shane Freeman. He also is survived by his sister-in-law, Ethel Bristol Gilbert, of Comstock Park.