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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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
He was a precious Brother!! See you on the other side Brother Mike. You "fought a good fight, kept The Faith." Henceforth there is laid up for you a Crown of Righteousness"!! God bless all the family! I'm sure he will be missed by many. He was a great inspiration to me and a great servant of "The Lord", as a song leader. We'll meet again, Brother!!
A wonderful man of God. A wonderful song leader in his church. He is in the place where all of us want to be in. May God bless and be with his family. He will always be remembered.
Precious Bro. Mike, Beautiful memories of your departure shall forever linger in our hearts 💕 💞 What a blessing you were to us all!!! We will deeply miss your charismatic expressions by the way you led songs during the missionary camp meeting Rest peacefully in the bosom of your Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ until we meet again...!
I remember 10 years ago going to Bro Joe Greenes camp meeting and Brother Mike led singing! His heart and soul was poured out when he sang! You could tell that he loved the Lord and that he had many talks with Him, just by the way he sang about Him. Oh his voice will never be forgotten! We will see you soon Brother Mike!
We were very fond of Bro. Mike. We enjoyed him coming to our revivals in Virginia and singing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family Thomas and Barbara Frazier
Wonderful, Special Man left us too soon❤️
Wonderful, Special Man left us too soon❤️
My brother, Bud Lail, and I are sad to hear of Mikey’s passing. He and his family were great childhood friends and neighbors. Sending many prayers and much love to all his family.