Michael “Mike” Allen Carson, 74, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, November 28, 2024, at the Gordon Hospice House in Statesville, N.C., surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on July 23, 1950, in Statesville to Flake Allen Carson and Dorothy Bass Carson.

Mike was a caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He left this world after a short battle with leukemia.

Mike is survived by his wife of 51 years, Deborah Long Carson; his son, Jamison Allen Carson (Paige); and two daughters, Stephanie Faw (Jamie), and Heather Hassler (Clay).

He is survived by seven grandchildren, Autumn Hassler, Chase Carson, Lucas Faw, Grant Hassler, Brody Carson, Hutch Carson, and Myles Hassler. He is also survived by one brother, Steve Carson (Doris) of Statesville; and two sisters, Vickie Cheek of Statesville and Jane Hix (Richard) of Harmony. He is also survived by 11 nieces and nephews, and by his beloved dog, Jake.

Mike was predeceased by his parents, Flake and Dorothy Carson; a daughter, Kristy Carson; a nephew, Jeremiah Love; and a brother-in-law, Phil Goodin.

Mike was a member of Fairview Baptist Church. He served as a deacon until he felt his health wouldn’t allow him to continue to do so. He was also the Sunday School Teacher of the Jack Setzer Men’s Class, whom he loved like brothers. One of his greatest joys was visiting people in the hospital, in the nursing home, or at their home. He also treasured his time on Wednesday nights with his pastor, Pastor Scott Eanes, praying for the people of the church or getting more insight into the Sunday School lesson from Pastor Paul Hill.

In his younger years, Mike loved riding his horse, Star, and hunting with his beagles. In later years, he loved being outdoors as much as he could, whether it was cutting wood, working in his garden, mowing his yard, or spending time with the grandkids. He loved being their “judge” for pool diving contests.

Michael was a Veteran, having served in the U.S., Army during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Army Commendation Medal. He was proud of his service to his country. Mike was wounded while on patrol in Vietnam and sent to a hospital in Japan to recuperate. After returning stateside from Japan, he continued his service in Ft. Riley, Kansas, training on driving tanks. His group was sent to Germany for a short time as well. After his discharge from the Army, Mike worked at Bass Tire Service for six years, and then at the N.C. Department of Transportation for 20 years. Unfortunately, he became disabled after a stroke in 1997.

The family would like to thank the staff of Atrium Baptist Hospital Cancer Center, Davie Medical Center, and the Gordon Hospice House. We especially want to thank his beloved primary physician of 20-plus years, Dr. Roger Hatharasinghe.

Services will be held at Fairview Baptist Church in Statesville on Wednesday, December 4. Visitation will be at 10:30 a.m., with the funeral service starting at 12 noon. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Statesville with full military honors.

Pallbearers are Jamison Carson, Clay Hassler, Jamie Faw, Sammie Goodin, Blake Goodin, Jacob Goodin, David Jones, and Brad Stroud.

Honorary Pallbearers are members of the Jack Setzer Class – Jim McMillan, Robert Overman, Buddy Wise, Terry Nichols, Bobby Davidson, Roger Harrelson, Farrell McKinney, Jack Davidson, and Charles McNiel. Additional Honorary Pallbearers are close friends, Johnny Welborn, Cecil Pharr, and James “Buttons” Bowers.

Donations in Mike’s memory may be made to Gordon Hospice House, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or Samaritan’s Purse.

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is serving the Carson family. Condolences may be shared at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.