The staff and patrons of The Little Mill are grieving the loss of Neal Barber, the beloved bar manager whose humor, warmth, and presence brightened the lives of everyone who walked through the doors for the past 18 years.

Barber, known for his infectious laughter and quick wit, was more than a colleague — he was a friend, a mentor, and a fixture of the community that gathered at The Little Mill. Generations of patrons and coworkers remember him as the heart of the bar, someone whose charm and kindness left an indelible mark.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this time,” the team said, expressing their deep sorrow. “Neal brought laughter to so many lives, and we will miss him dearly.”

In tribute, The Little Mill has shared photographs capturing some of their fondest memories with Neal, celebrating the joy, camaraderie, and spirit he brought to the venue for nearly two decades.

His passing leaves a quiet emptiness behind the bar he once commanded with such humor and grace, but the laughter he inspired and the friendships he nurtured will not be forgotten. Neal Barber’s legacy lives on in every smile he drew and every life he touched.