Michael Thomas Orders, 73, of Glen Alpine, NC, joined his Lord and Savior on Friday, July 25, 2025.
Born in Burke County, NC on September 12, 1951, he was the son of the late Raymond Thomas Orders and Josephine Houck Orders.
Michael “Mike” Orders was a devoted husband and father, beloved family man, and respected member of his community, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones.
Born and raised in Glen Alpine, Mike attended Glen Alpine School, where he met and later married his high school sweetheart, Susan Leonard. The two shared a strong and loving marriage that lasted 53 years.
Mike retired after 45 years of dedicated service with Duke Energy. Known for his strong work ethic and willingness to lend a hand, he also spent years volunteering at the Glen Alpine Fire Dept.
At an early age, Mike worked alongside his father in construction and could fix or build just about anything—a true jack of all trades. He had a deep love for the outdoors, spending countless hours hunting, fishing and tending to his garden.
A devout Christian, Mike was a longtime song leader at his church and served in many ways of missionary work.
Mike’s legacy is one of love, service, and unwavering dedication—to his family, his faith, and his community. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Susan Leonard Orders; daughter, Jennifer Holden (Stephen) and Christina Holden (Sam); grandchildren, Alan Michael Holden (Kyra), Luke Holden (Anna), and Caleb Holden (Anna Marie); great-grandchildren, Alayna, Chloë, Owen, Boone, Julia, and Calvin Holden; siblings, Susan Bingham, Donna Poteet, and David Orders, and numerous extended family.
In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his sister, Rama Whitlock; and his brother, Larry Orders.
A celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m., Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at Bible Tabernacle with Brother Joe Greene officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bible Tabernacle Missionary Fund, 207 US Hwy. 64, Rutherfordton, NC 28139 or to Carolina Caring (carolinacaring.org/give).
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Sorry to the family , we stayed at windy hill with half of family an ours when I was little a was friends with all of them ever since!59 years!
My thoughts and prayers are sent to family. I have known Bro Mike and Sis Susan for over 40 years. My dad Homer Frazier came to camp meetings every year. Bro Mike would lead the song services. He was a blessing I'm sure to so many around the world.
Mike will be missed by so many. I was fortunate enough to have met him and got to know him working for Barbara. Your mother worked for us before she retired so I got to know Mike even better. My husband would always enjoy his conversations with Mike when he would come to Ingles and then come home to tell me all about it. One thing for sure Mike got the words spoken well done my good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:21 ) spoken to him that we all try to strive for in this lifetime! My prayers and thoughts are with Susan and you girls that he loved so deeply.
Go rest HIGH..Brother Mike you were such a blessing to so many people so faithful all them years I've been coming to camp for 36 years now and I always remember you now you're inside those Pearly Gates..that you just sang about oh what a day oh happy day ..I'm praying for your family and your wife I know it so so hard but soon we'll all be reunited forever with no more partings and no more pain of Sorrow thank you so much for all your Faithfulness
Go rest HIGH..Brother Mike you were such a blessing to so many people so faithful all them years I've been coming to camp for 36 years now and I always remember you now you're inside those Pearly Gates..that you just sang about oh what a day oh happy day ..I'm praying for your family and your wife I know it so so hard but soon we'll all be reunited forever with no more partings and no more pain of Sorrow thank you so much for all your Faithfulness
My deepest condolences to the loved ones and church family he left behind. He was a man after God's own heart and as a song leader he was in a league of his own. For every song he sang, there was an anecdote or mini testimony that blesses our hearts. He stood tall inspite of the trials, including Sis. Susan's condition. His life was a reflection of our Savior Jesus Christ.
He was a wonderful friend and True and Faithful servant to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
He was a wonderful friend and True and Faithful servant to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ