David Bruce Neidig

David Bruce Neidig of Oak Ridge, passed away on Sunday, July 30, whose parents are Kenneth and Laurel (deceased) Neidig, was born on September 9, 1953, in Fort Knox, Kentucky. He was eternally grateful to grow up in nearby Elizabethtown, KY. He loved playing and exploring there with his two brothers and little sister, as well as going on adventures with his crew of friends.

Led by his parents and their musical example, he discovered the joy of music and playing instruments. A lifelong “picker”, he played the mandolin, guitar, fiddle, and banjo. When asked which one he enjoyed playing most, he always said, “The one I’m playing at the time!” He participated in the Unity Bluegrass Band (https://www.unitybluegrass.com) and shared his music and talent widely throughout Oak Ridge and among his faith community.

His family moved to the northern Chicago area from Kentucky in the early 1970s, and they learned about the Bahá’í Faith there, living near the first Continental Bahá’í House of Worship, located in Wilmette, IL. Ken and Arlene Jennrich, who for years held weekly gatherings in their home, introduced David’s parents to the Faith in 1975. In 1977, at the age of 24, David declared his belief in Baha’u’llah, whom he acknowledged to be the Prophet from God for this age. (https://www.bahai.us). He began to immediately follow the guidance for believers, and threw himself into spreading the teachings of Baha’u’llah – that of peace, love and unity.

David became a professional educator, as well as a private music instructor, and served as an elementary school teacher in Illinois for three years and at Linden Elementary School in Oak Ridge for 29 years. He worked tirelessly to make a positive difference in the world. He wanted every child to know that he believed in them, and he wanted them to believe in themselves. He was also an author, not only of music, lyrics, but several books, using his passion for history to inspire young readers. He served as an elected member of the Oak Ridge Bahá’í Spiritual Assembly, and as an appointed and dedicated member of the statewide Tennessee Bahá’í School.

He was a kind and generous father, providing love and adventure for his four children: Jennifer Davis (Jeremy), Erin Jackson (Tommy), all of Crossville; Chris Neidig (Abigail) of Knoxville; Amber Neidig of Lancaster, Ohio; and his stepson woody Wilson (Kassa) also of Crossville. Besides his dear wife Charlene and his children, he leaves behind his father Kenneth, in Eugene, OR; and his siblings, all in Florida: Robert (Rosa) Neidig, Steven (Valerie) Neidig, and Janet (Carl) Kukec. He also leaves his grandson Peyton David and granddaughters Ava, Arianna and Trinity Wilson, all of Crossville.

For three decades the family shared a life filled with devotion, affection and laughter. He led a beautiful life in which he poured peace and love into every soul he met. He was a sweet soul who, while struggling through a long and difficult illness these last few years, never lost his infinite capacity for kindness.

On Tuesday afternoon, the family will hold a private family viewing at Berry Highland West on 9913 Sherrill Blvd, Knoxville, 37922 and all are invited to the gravesite service following, at 2:00 pm, to be held at the same location.

All who loved David are invited to come to a Celebration of Life and Memorial Service at 2:00 pm on Thursday, August 3, at the Knoxville Bahá’í Center, 1323 Hannah Ave. Knoxville, 37921 (near the United Way building).

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to offer a gift on his behalf are asked to contribute to these organizations: The Keystone Elder Day Care Center (https://www.keystonetn.org) which is a non- profit human service agency which serves Oak Ridge and the surrounding areas and offers a resource of community-based support for families which can help prevent, divert, or delay the need for institutionalized care; and/or the National Center for Race Amity (https://raceamity.org/get-involved/donate ) a Bahá’í-inspired organization which develops forums, workshops, service projects, films and other initiatives to advance cross-racial and cross-cultural friendship.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BerryHighlandWest.com for the Neidig family.