Individual Details

Death

STANLEY - George Martin "Mike" Michael, 91, formerly of Cramerton, died March 25, 2011, at the Stanley Total Living Center in Stanley. George Martin Michael was born Sept. 8, 1919, in Mount Holly, the youngest child of the late Ada Furr Michael and Hugh Avery Michael. "Mike" as everyone knew him grew up in Mount Holly and finished Mount Holly High School and Kings Business College. After returning home from serving his country in the US Army, he became employed by the Duke Power Company for a brief time until golf became his career. He became the youngest golf "Pro" in the county. He opened Old Course in Cramerton, North Carolina in 1949. Later from 1951-1954 he ran American Efird Course in Mount Holly. In 1954-1986 he designed and built Lakewood Golf Course in Cramerton, North Carolina. "Mike" was an advocate for all kinds of people. He was very respected and liked by everyone. When the town of Cramerton was first incorporated in 1968, "Mike" served on the board for 3 years as an appointed commissioner, then becoming the longest serving mayor of Cramerton between 1971 until 1985 and the first elected mayor of the town. The Board of Commissioners named the meeting room after Mr. Michael at a ceremony held at town hall in his honor. "Mike" also served on the board at Linville Land Harbor in Linville, North Carolina and became very active with the community there. "Mike" was a very successful businessman, a man who loved his family, church, and his community. He was a member of Cramer Memorial United Methodist Church in Cramerton, North Carolina. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the love and care given by the staff at Stanley Total Living Center. A service to celebrate the life of Mr. Michael will be held 3 p.m. Sunday at the Woodlawn Funeral Home Chapel in Mount Holly with the Rev. Brian Taule officiating. Burial will be at Pineview Cemetery in Mount Holly. The family will receive friends from 2:30 to 3 p.m. at the funeral home. He is survived by his wife Irene Hamrick Michael. Daughter Sandra Michael Jumper and husband Ray Zenone Jumper of Stanley. Son in law Turner Clarence Stimpson of Statesville, North Carolina. Grandson Michael Clarence Stimpson and wife Jennifer of Shelby, North Carolina. Great granddaugh-ter Callie Elizabeth Stimpson, niece Jill Johnson McCloy and husband David and son Michael of Pinehurst, North Carolina. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter Mickey Michael Stimpson of Statesville, North Carolina and a sister Louise Michael Johnson of Stanley, North Carolina. Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly is in charge of the arrangements.
Published in Gaston Gazette on March 26, 2011