Michael Austin Barnhardt

Michael Austin Barnhardt, 78, of Morganton, NC, went to his heavenly home on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 after a period of declining health.

Born in Kannapolis, NC on November 19, 1945, he was the son of the late William Earl Barnhardt and Geraldine Austin Barnhardt.

His family moved to Massena, New York when he was young, and Mike graduated from Massena High School. He was active in sports, playing football, baseball, and hockey.

Mike was a faithful member of Hopewell Baptist Church. He was a beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, and friend. He supported his children and grandchildren in all their activities.

Michael enjoyed a rewarding career with NAACO Materials Handling Group as traffic manager, plant systems coordinator, and materials supervisor. He helped implement their computer system and travel to Northern Ireland and Mexico to assist in training and procedures. Mike worked for Lee Boy in Denver, NC and Getrag Corp (now GKN) in Newton, NC.

Mike enjoyed vacations with family and friends to the beach, New Orleans, Maine, Colorado, the Grand Canyon, and numerous national parks. His leisure time was spent watching the Carolina Panthers, UNC Tar Heel basketball, Appalachian State Football, and NASCAR. Mike was proud of bear hunting trips on the east coast of North Carolina and his elk hunting trips in Texas and Colorado. As his family grew, he enjoyed many games of golf with his sons.

Mike is survived by his wife of 44 years, Evelyn Burnette Barnhardt; children, Angela Barnhardt Cole (Rich), Michael Barnhardt, II, Adrienne Buff Rich, and Tyler Barnhardt (Valerie); grandchildren, Megan Turner, Robert Cole, Samantha Barnhardt, Michael Barnhardt, III, Adrienne Barnhardt, and Blayne Barnhardt; and brothers, Steve Barnhardt (Sherri) and Jeff Barnhardt (Sandra).

The family will receive friends from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Hopewell Baptist Church. The funeral will be held at 3:30 p.m. in the church with Rev. Braden Martin and Dr. Danny Emory officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hopewell Baptist Church, 1112 Hopewell Road, Morganton, NC 28655 and Amorem Support, 902 Kirkwood Street, NW, Lenoir, NC 28645.

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