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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Mike was one of a kind. He was always smiling and go out of way to speak to you. He loved Glen Alpine and the people there. He will be missed and remembered by all who knew him. RIP. Praying for family and friends. Donald Carroll
Dang-I had not seen Mike in few years, but didn't even know he was sick or not doing well. I was shocked to see this! Mike was one of the good ones! I recall meeting him in 1996 and knowing him while I worked there until the end of 1998. I loved stopping by if he was in the driveway or out in his building. Of course my memory is fuzzy so I may or may not have been there while he was shooting his "potato gun" ; ) or sighting in a handgun in the building ; ). And yes-a man of Christ. Heck if NOTHING else proves that-the distance he drove to church to worship and serve his church shows his dedication! I can hear him now "Mike Orders...Orders...you know like orders from headquarters!" : ) You will be missed sir.
We are so sorry for your loss. Mike was a wonderful person and a fine Christian man. He will be missed by many but the promise of one day meeting again. Prayers for all. ❤️🙏🏻
We had the privilege of meeting Mike when my daughter Kyra married Alan Holden . We are thankful to have met such a nice man. We look forward to meeting him again in his glorified body where we will all be young again. See you soon my precious brother we will be hugging you very soon . Until we meet again ! All our love Stephen & Helene Kitching
Mike was more than a friend he was a source of knowledge someone you could turn to in an emergency or whenever you just needed to talk to someone. I loved talking with him about his hunting trips and sharing stories of the great outdoors. We will keep his family in our prayers rest in peace my friend.