Neil E. Christopher M.D.

12/14/1933 - 01/22/2026

The family of Neil E. Christopher, MD is saddened to announce his peaceful passing at the age of 92 on January 22, 2026 while surrounded by his wife of 70 years and other family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Neile Christopher, his three brothers, Ralph Christopher, Jr. MD, Richard Christopher, DDS, Sam Christopher, his daughter, Caroline Bridges, and his son-in-law, Sam Bridges. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, who was his high school sweetheart, his sons, Neil Christopher, Jr., MD (Susan), Reid Christopher, MD (Lisa), his seven grandchildren, Wade Christopher, MD (Laura), Ryan Christopher, Will Bridges (Brittany), Caroline Kaylor Bridges Johnson (JH), Elizabeth Bridges, Sarah Christopher, and Aimee Christopher, and his five great-grandchildren, Brooks Christopher, Eloise Christopher, Hunt Johnson, Elizabeth Bridges Johnson, and Frances Bridges.
Dr. Christopher was born in Crossville, AL on December 14, 1933. He later attended Fort Payne High School where he was the starting senior quarterback and finished Valedictorian of his class. Upon graduation, Neil was admitted to Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn University today) where he initially began agriculture studies like his father, who was the superintendent of the agriculture experiment farm in Crossville. However, after a brief visit with his older brother, who was a physician, Neil changed his course of study to pre-med. In addition to excelling in his pre-med studies, Neil served as part of the Student Government Executive Team as Treasurer of the Student Body. Having excelled in these studies in three years at Auburn, he was admitted to the University of Alabama (UAB) Heersink School of Medicine.
Later, upon completion of his residency, Neil was accepted for surgical training. However, he ultimately decided he was better suited for general practice and practiced medicine with his brother for one year in Guin, AL. Later, when the specialty of family medicine was created, Neil sat for the exam and was a founding member of the American Academy of Family Practice.
Dr. Christopher spent almost his entire medical career as a family physician in Guntersville, AL. For a significant portion of his career, he was a partner in a practice with friend and colleague Dr. John Boggess III. Neil was also active in many medical organizations throughout his career. He served on the Alabama Medical Licensure Commission for more than a decade and served several years on the UAB medical school acceptance committee. He loved the practice of medicine and caring for patients. He became especially interested in trying to improve the availability of medical care in rural Alabama and across America. He served on rural health committees at the state and national levels.
In 1967, Dr. Christopher served two years in the U.S. Navy. For one of those years, he served in the Vietnam War and was in charge of a MILPHAP unit. He advanced to the rank of Commander when he was honorably discharged in June, 1969 and was awarded the Bronze Star for his service.
For all his efforts and commitments, Dr. Christopher was enrolled into the Alabama Health Care Hall of Fame in 2008. He was also a recipient of the annual Samuel Buford Word award in 1997, the highest honor by the Medical Association of Alabama, and additionally was named the Alabama Family Physician of the Year in 1993. He was a lifelong supporter of Auburn University and served on the Alumni Board. He would even go on to be presented with the Auburn Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. Finally, last year, he was honored with the Neil E. Christopher, M.D., Endowed Chair in Family and Community Medicine at the University of Alabama medical school.
Outside of his lifelong devotion to healthcare, Dr. Christopher loved spending time with his family, Auburn football, and boating. He was an active member at the First Baptist Church of Guntersville.
Visitation will be 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on January 31, 2026 at the First Baptist Church of Guntersville with the funeral service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial gifts be made to the First Baptist Church of Guntersville, Auburn University College of Mathematics and Sciences, www.AuburnGiving.org/NeilChristopherMemorial, or to The Neil E. Christopher, M.D., Endowed Chair in Family and Community Medicine at UAB. (UAB Gift Records, AB 1230, 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294-0112 or https://go.uab.edu/christophermemorials).
The family acknowledges and thanks the staff of Caring Angels (Guntersville), ACG Hospice Birmingham, and Brookdale University Park (Birmingham) for their loving care and devotion.