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OAK RIDGE — Mr. Michael A. Koballa, 56, of Oak Ridge, departed from this life on June 29, 2013, at Wesley Long Hospital.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 3, 2013, at Hanes-Lineberry N. Elm St. Chapel, in Greensboro.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home, immediately following the service.
Michael was born in Dearborn, Michigan on October 4, 1956. He grew up in Fayetteville, NC and was a long-time resident before moving to Greensboro. He attended Western Carolina University and was a member of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. While in Fayetteville, Michael worked in Finance & Insurance at Reed Lallier Chevrolet and Powers-Swain Chevrolet. He also worked as General Sales Manager at Lafayette Ford. Michael loved making deals and worked in the car business for 25 years. Most recently, for the past eight years, he ran Green Ford Lincoln in partnership with Dean Green. Michael loved spending his free time at Holden Beach where he had many great memories of boating, fishing, grilling and spending time with family and friends. He was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew him. Michael was preceded in death by his father Thomas Raymond Koballa.
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 18 years, Linda Alexander Koballa of the home; son, Michael Armstrong Koballa, Jr. of Greensboro; step-sons, Christopher "Lane" Clemmons of Fayetteville, NC and Daniel Faircloth of Hatteras Isle, NC; mother, Dorothy Armstrong Koballa of Wilmington, NC; sister, Donna Scroggins and husband Stacey of Jupiter, FL; brothers, Patrick Koballa and wife Cheryl of Wilmington, NC , Dennis Koballa and wife Anne of Durham, NC, and Thomas Koballa, Jr. and wife Dava of Athens, GA; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.
Memorial contributions may be made to The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030.
Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.
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Gwen Holtsclaw
July 13, 2013
To Donna and all of Mike's loved ones...I send deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers. I treasure the opportunity to have known and taught Mike.
Greg Pechmann
July 11, 2013
May God grant you peace. I am extremely sorry for your loss. I was a high school classmate and friend of Mike's.
Linda Guthrie
July 8, 2013
My prayers and deepest sympathies to his family and his dealership employees. He loved you all. I will always remember hearing Mike talk about his great love for his family. Mike always made me laugh and I will miss working with him.
Diane Smitherman Dina Hamad
July 6, 2013
Dina and I are your beach neighbors across the canal. Mike was always so friendly and we enjoyed our talks across the canal. We could tell he loved his boats. We enjoyed his sense of humor especially reading his boat names. Our sympathy is extended to the Koballa family.
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Joan-Marie Collins
July 5, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Bill and Kara Janssen
July 5, 2013
Linda,
My wife and I met you guys in Charleston SC at the NCM Twenty Group meetings last fall. We send our thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time.
Cheryl Blackmon
July 4, 2013
Resting in the arms of Jesus
July 3, 2013
Linda, Just heard about this and my heart breaks for you. Praying God's peace and comfort for you and the family.
Lynne Winfrey
July 3, 2013
Dot, Linda, Donna, Pat, Dennis, Tom Jr., we just saw the Fayetteville paper and are all very sorrowed at Mike's passing. When we're together we often talk about
the Koballas, Alexanders, Carpenters, and the rest of Rodwell Road.
Frank (and B.G.), Jim, Polly, Nora, and Mary Jane Carpenter
(B.G. is Frank's wife; she often worked with Mike and Pat in auto financing in Fayetteville). All of our thoughts, prayers, and memories are with you all.
July 3, 2013
Linda,
We were very sorry to hear about the death of Michael. We will keep you
and your family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Pam and David Darden
Mike and Darlene Ransom
July 3, 2013
We just heard the news of your loss . Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time. We were neighbors for a short while but Mike was always ready to "throw-up" his hand, wave and share a huge smile!
Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy is extended to you and your love ones.
July 3, 2013
Linda,
Jeff , Jenna and I send our deepest sympathy.
Janet
Peggy Roberts
July 3, 2013
Pat, Cheryl, Erin and Kasey,
We all thought the world of "brother Mike". May your memories give you comfort.
The Roberts Family (Wilmington, NC)
Kemp, Peggy, Reagan and G-Man
Ron & Mary Kizer
July 3, 2013
Our prayers and thoughts go out to the entire family. In 1999, I purchased a new Ford Ranger from Mike in Fayetteville, called Mike and told him what I was looking for and it was sitting out front waiting when I arrived at the dealership. I would not sign the papers until Mike placed my Jeff Gordon plate on the front of the Ranger. Mike was very professional and pleasant to know. May God Bless the entire family.
July 3, 2013
Linda, we are all saddened to hear of your loss and have you in our thoughts and prayers.
Kim Pyle and your Clear Channel Family
Susan Wilson
July 3, 2013
Linda, after looking at all 139 pictures in your photo gallery, I can see what a full, happy, short time you had together and what a contagious smile you had in each picture you stood next to Mike. I cannot begin to imagine the void you are feeling!
Julie Shadrick
July 3, 2013
Linda & Family - We are so very sorry for your great loss. May you find comfort in the arms of our Lord, your family and many, many friends.
Buddy Garvin
July 2, 2013
To the Koballa Family, I was so sad and stunned to hear about Mike. He was So full of Life, and a Great Person. I met him about 40 years ago, and we worked briefly together about 25 years ago. Just hearing his name puts a Big Smile on my Face. He had such a Great Personality, always had something Fun on the Horizon. I sincerely Hope All of those Wonderful Memories will help All of you get through this difficult time. God Bless All of You!!
Travis Moore
July 2, 2013
Linda, my prayers are with you and your family. Mike was a great guy and will be missed.
George T. Elliot
July 2, 2013
My thoughts go out to the entire Koballa family today. I have many happy memories of the kids we were and know how close you are. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Marvin Oliver
July 2, 2013
Mike was my best friend. I cherish every minute we spent together and will love him forever.
Linda Elliott
July 2, 2013
Linda I am so sorry to hear this news. Thinking of you.
Glen Graves
July 2, 2013
It was a pleasure getting to know Mike over the past 5 years. I will always remember Mike for his smiling face and positive attitude. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Thom Dillard
July 2, 2013
I will miss my great and long time friend. Mike worked with me several years in Fayetteville. Always a professional with a streak of mischief. I am sure lots of "Koballa" stories will circulate this week as we all remember a great guy and great friend.
Goodbye old friend,
Thom Dillard
Betsy Harris
July 2, 2013
Linda, I am so sorry for your loss...You and your family are in my prayers...cherish your wonderful memories...I know your heart is broken...lots of love and hugs Betsy Harris
Michele van Gobes
July 2, 2013
Hearing stories about Mike from his wife, Linda, told of a happy, thoughtful man who loved his wife, family, and career. Such a shock to learn of his untimely passing. Much love and sympathy to his family and friends.
Debbie Classen
July 2, 2013
Linda, I cherish meeting you and Mike on the soccer field and your companionship their a great memory. Mike was always so happy and positive. My prayers will include you and your boys. Love, Debbie
Mike Saleeby
July 2, 2013
Pat, Dennis & Family,
I did not know Michael, but I am absolutely confident that he was a great person, husband, car guy, friend, brother & son based on knowing you two brothers for many years. I am very sorry for your loss and pray that God will give you His peace and strength to comfort you in your loss. Praise God for the Koballa family. Sincerely, Mike, Ellen, Bobbie Ann & Laura Saleeby
July 2, 2013
I am truly sorry for the loss of a wondeful man and GM. From the first day that I started at Green Ford he always greeted me with a smile when he passed by. My prayers are with the family that God with give you strength and comfort during this difficult time and in the days ahead.
Crickett
fred davis
July 2, 2013
so sorry to hear mike passed away--met mike at Lafayette ford in Fayetteville over 15 years ago---thoughts and prayers are with your family -
July 2, 2013
Knew Mike at WCU, and as a brother of Delta Sigma Phi. Always a smile on his face. We re-connected after many years. He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to his family. Jack Bradley
Jeff Wyant
July 2, 2013
Went to high school and college with Mike, in fact he was my Big Brother in Delta Sigma Phi. He was a great guy and I have many fond memories of our time at WCU. My condolences to his family.
Dave Davis
July 2, 2013
I was shocked to hear of Mike's passing, he was always a pleasure to be around and will be missed by all. My prayers are with the family.
July 2, 2013
I first met Mike in 2001 at Crown Ford in Fayetteville, NC and from day one we were close. He always told me that if I had his back he would do the same but our relationship was so much more.Mike was and always will be the closest thing I ever had to being a father. I will cherish all the memories and fun times we've had working and being together the last 12 years. Especially all the trips we took together to Holden Beach and Wilmington meeting his family, deep sea fishing, working on his beach house, and just hanging out. There is no way possible I could've ever repaid Mike for all he did for me and my family. You always knew where you stood with Mike. He had a big heart and I consider myself very lucky to have had him in my life for so long. He will surely be missed but never forgotten. I will walk by your office and miss you forever because it was way to soon my friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, Mike Jr, Linda, Pat, Cheryl, Dennis, Anne, Dottie, Lane, and all those I have forgotten.
Anthony Reese(Greensboro,NC)
sheree beasley
July 2, 2013
with thoughts and prayers to your family
Justin Gough and Sheree G Beasley
Scenic Motors Inc
Mt Airy, NC 27030
Bob Blakely
July 2, 2013
Mike was not only a boss to me, but a true friend. He tounched my life in many ways and I will never forget him. My prayers are with his family and loved ones.
Kevin and Karen Vandy
July 2, 2013
Mike was a great man and a friend. My family and I will miss him very much.
"Our prayers go out to you and your family"...
Jr Melvin
July 2, 2013
My prayers go out to Mike and his family. Mike was a great man and a great car man. I will always remeber the fun times we had putting car deals together. He will be missed by many and forgot by none. Rest in peace my friend.
Chris Tillman
July 2, 2013
My prayers for strength and consolation are for the family and many friends of Mike. I will always remember Mike's smile and positive outlook on life. He will be celebrated as one who made the world around him a better place. May God Bless and Keep you all as we remember Mike. ... Chris Tillman
Malcolm Fields
July 2, 2013
Mike 's life cannot be summarized in this space. He gave to others all his life. Just the time I was allowed to spend with him (laugh,joke,and share al story)will forever define him for me! May God help fill the void and celebrate his eternal life!Malcolm Fields
July 2, 2013
Mike, you are true, true friend and your friendship will be missed. You are a part of our family and will remain in our hearts forever. I will miss seeing you on this earth, laughing, talking business, and having family discussions. We will sit down together in a better place and resume later on. May the grace of God and His face shine upon you forever more. Amen.
Jerry and Shelia Clemmons
Scott and Terah Councilman
July 2, 2013
Michael, We were so sorry to hear about the passing of
your father. Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Claudette Henry
July 2, 2013
Mike was not only my boss, Mike was my friend and I will truly truly miss him, My prayers go out to Linda, Mike Jr. and all of Mike's family, may our Lord and Savior comfort you during this hard time.
John and Gail Godwin
July 2, 2013
May God strengthen you during this sad time. We are so blessed to have met Mike through the Greens. He was a pleasure to spend time with. ....Fun memories! He will never be forgotten! God bless you and your family!
~John and Gail Godwin
Jim Classen
July 2, 2013
So sorry, please accept my condolences...
Greg Masters
July 2, 2013
Mike was like a big brother to me and one of my best friends, he will always be in my heart. I know that he has gone home to ride his "BOAT" in the largest sea in the world. May God bless Linda, Michael, Lane and his entire family during the days to come and forever. Mike, I will always love and keep you in my heart. Greg
Shayne Messina
July 2, 2013
I have know Mike may years from elementary school through high school- and was saddened and shocked to hear about his passing- my heart goes out to his family. You are in my thoughts through a very difficult time--\Shayne Nunnery Messina- Marathon, FL
Lynette Bleisteiner
July 1, 2013
May you find rest in the arms of our Lord. God bless you and keep you Mike forever after.
Lynette Bleisteiner
July 1, 2013
To Mike who will be sorely missed. Mike wes the best boss I had ever worked for in my entire career. So fair, firm and consistent, patient and sincere. You were a great teamplayer and motivator and achieved great successes through your management style. You will be remembered forever Mikey and will be sorely missed. My deepest sympathies go to your family, love Lynette Bleisteiner
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515 North Elm Street, Greensboro, NC 27401
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