Visitation
Committal
Michael Wayne Walters, "Big Mike" passed away July 15, 2024 in Morganton, NC. Mike was born in Laurinburg, NC on December 9, 1954 to Lindsay and Ruth Walters. He grew up in Stony Point, North Carolina. He was the son of a pastor, who influenced his unwavering faith, which carried him throughout his life. Mike attended Appalachian State University. It is there where he met his beloved wife Donna Crook Walters
A skilled conversationalist, Mike never met a stranger. He greeted everyone with a hug. Mike was a successful independent insurance agent for forty years. Before moving to Lake James nine years ago, Mike and Donna lived in Huntersville, NC where their home was the center of the neighborhood and Mike was a role model for all being the epitome of positivity and encouragement. Big Mike's outgoing personality allowed him to make and maintain many lifelong friendships.
Mike excelled at sports, playing football and baseball, as a catcher. As an avid music and sports fan, his favorites were The Rolling Stones and Bob Seger. He loved The New York Yankees and the North Carolina Tar Heels. Most of all, Mike loved his wife Donna. They celebrated their fortieth wedding anniversary this year.
A big man with a big personality, one of his favorite expressions was to say with a smile "I'm just glad to be here". We know this is what he said as he entered through the gates of Heaven.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother Fred, and his parents-in-law, John and Joy Crook. He is survived by his wife, her mother, Bette Morgan and brother, Tommy Crook. Along with extended family, he also leaves behind many special nieces and nephews that he considered his own.
To represent Mike's colorful personality, we are asking that everyone wear bright colors to the service.
Celebration of life will be at 1:00, Sunday, July 21, 2024 at the Colonial Chapel, Sossoman Funeral Home, 1011 South Sterling Street, Morganton, NC. Family will mingle following the service.
Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Michael Wayne Walters, “Big Mike”.
We will always cherish Big Mike like the treasure he was. Donna, you have our deepest love. You both touch so many. Bella and Craig Akroyd (Auckland, NZ)
I’ll always remember my neighbor Big Mike as a fun loving, Tar Heel bleeding, awesome guy. I’ll never forget the first time he showed me his garage and all the Tar Heel memorabilia he had. He also left me one of his world famous Apple Pie mason jars in my mailbox as I left for college. Going to need some extra seats for this service. Miss you already buddy.
Big Mike will be missed! His huge personality matched his heart! His quick wit and sense of humor was unmatched! May his family find comfort in knowing there is no pain, sorrow or disease in heaven!
Sending our condolences. Mike was always a good friend to our dad, Rick Childers Alexander Central High School Class of '73
What a super sweet person. The short time John and I knew of him. He sold us insurance and was so thoughtful. When John was diagnosed with cancer Mike spent over a hour helping him decide what to do. Stage 4 lung cancer and no insurance. Mike stepped right in with his loving personality. Bless you his wife..hugs to the family. Rest in peace Brother Big Mike . My girls love u so do I. Hugs bro Jesus has u now brother Big Mike 🙏
My father Jim Norton always looked forward to seeing,Mike,Donna and Betty any time but around the holidays he really got excited.He loved playing golf with Mike also. Big Mike had a big personality but the biggest thing he had was his ❤️. Thank you for all the memories from the Nortons.You will be missed dearly thank you.Randy Norton.
He is my "Brother" forever till we meet again never goodbye because you are in my thoughts, and my heart always As we said after we talked each time. Love you man mean it! Ricky Wayne Childers
Donna, My heart breaks for your loss of your precious Big Mike He was one of the sweetest men I ever met and everyone loved him May your many fun memories comfort you during this sad time Much love to you Leslie
Big Mike was a dear friend of my father, Jim Norton. My dad loved him “to pieces” as my dad would say. Big Mike visited my dad several times at the hospital during his last days. He always prayed with daddy which meant the world to daddy. God speed Mike. Heaven just got another angel.