Rev. James Leroy Michaels

Rev. James Leroy Michaels, 56, of Morganton, NC went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at his home. Born in McDowell County, NC on November 25, 1958, he was a son of the late James Pinkney Michaels and Mary Sue Arrowood Michaels.

Leroy was employed at Aiken-Black Tire Company in Hickory and was pastor of Friendly Freewill Baptist Church on Old NC 18 in Morganton. He was a loving and devoted family man who was also a friend to all.

Leroy is survived by his wife of 35 years, Kathy Austin Michaels, daughters and husbands, Jennifer Michaels Crump and Scott, Ashley Michaels Brown and Tom, all of Morganton, and Amber Michaels Woody and Kevin of Dysartsville, NC; grandchildren, Taylor Chapman, Makenzie Crump, Brayden Crump, Asia Brown, Ella Woody, and Tynlee Brown; three foster grandchildren; brothers, Billy Ray Michaels and Linda of Morganton, Bobby Michaels and Elizabeth, and Tommy Michaels all of Valdese, and Donald Michaels and Edna of Morganton; sisters, Carolyn Rhyne and Andy of Charleston, SC, Becky Weatherman and Jeff of Morganton, Shirley Benson and Kelly, Brenda Fredell and Jeff, and Frances Harmon and Raymond all of Valdese; sisters-in-law, Pam Austin, Raylene Fredell and Allen; brother-in-law, Darrell Austin and Emily and a number of nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and great-nieces.

The funeral service will be at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, 2015 at Friendly Freewill Baptist Church with the Reverends Daniel Hensley and Allen Fredell officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2015.

Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690 or Friendly Freewill Baptist Church, 2563 Old NC 18, Morganton, NC 28655

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.