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Michael Church Obituary

LEXINGTON - A memorial service celebrating the life of Michael Stephen Church will be held on Friday, April 20, 2012, at 2:00 PM at Mt. Horeb United Methodist Church in Lexington. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Barr-Price Funeral Home, Lexington, on Thursday, April 19, 2012. Mike was born in Wilmington, North Carolina. He was the son of the late Rufus Lee and Hazel Barrington Church. He is survived by his wife, BJ (Betty Jane); son, Randall; brothers, Ron Church of Georgetown; Jim Church of Myrtle Beach and his loving family by marriage; nieces and nephews who he loved very much, and his dearest cousins (Dawn â€' his soul twin). Michael received his undergraduate degree from University of North Carolina-Wilmington, his Masters of Fine Arts Degree from University of North Carolina-Greensboro and his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law. Mike practiced law with Turner Padget Graham and Laney and the Sherpy and Jones law firm. Mike's family sends our heartfelt love, appreciation, and thanks to so many that provided care, grace and honor: Dr. Tripp Jones, Dr. Anne Hutchinson, Tammy Cooper, RN, the staff of South Carolina Oncology, Dr. Bruce Truesdale, Lexington Medical Center staff and the Agape Hospice staff. A tribute goes to Mike's colleagues in the legal community. To all who loved, debated the law, and taught him, he grew to love the legal profession because you all were his family. Mike's pride for the legal professional was monumental because he surrounded himself with gifted people who he loved and respected. Todd, Christie and Ellen â€' your grace and love provided Mike with dignity beyond what words can express. The admiration we all felt for Mike is because he himself admired and loved all of us. He will always remain with us to praise our accomplishments and walk with us at the lowest points. He loved us as we loved him and will continue to do so forever. Mike was a devoted Christian and was looking forward to meeting the Lord. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mt. Horeb UMC Promised Land fund,1205 Old Cherokee Rd., Lexington SC 29072. Online register at Barr-Price.com (803)356-4411

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The State on Apr. 18, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
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Joan McLellan

May 10, 2012

"I never met Mike in person, but when I had any questions concerning work....he returned my call ASAP...always with an answer...and always with a smile in his voice....he will be missed"

April 25, 2012

Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Dear, dear BJ ~ ~ we just learned that Mike has gone home -- How sad we are that we missed his last days and have not been there for you -- We loved being "pew-buddies" with you at church in recent months and will dearly miss Mike's presence -- Please know that we LOVE YOU and treasure our friendship. If we can help you in any way just let us know --
With love and deepest sympathy,
Diane & Guerry Wells

Denise Pilgrim

April 23, 2012

I just heard the news of Mike's passing and I am shocked and saddened! I spoke with him last year when my father passed away. Mike was my attorney on a case in 1995 when he was at Turner, Padget, Graham and Laney. Mike was a wonderful professional and a soft spoken word of advice to me and to my father. He helped me with so many law questions and when I would offer to pay, he would often say that if you can't help your fellow man in their time of need then you wouldn't be much of a man. As the years passed and he went to another firm, he was always there to guide us in the right direction. He was a true example of a Christian man and he will be sorely missed. The world was a much better place because Mike was in it. I just wish I had known of his illness and could have told him once again how thankful I am to have known him! My thoughts and prayers will be with his family.

Stephen Spitz

April 23, 2012

As one of Mike's law school professors, I had the great personal and professional privilege of both teaching and getting to know him personally while he attended Law School.

Later in life, as a lawyer, he and I were involved in a very interesting property case, Black v. Patel, 594 S.E.2d 162 (S.C. 2004) where we found ourselves on opposite sides.

He was a wonderful law student and a great lawyer and always a true gentlemen. His passing is a great loss and I wish his family and his friends the very best.

I do want to let the family know that his superb legal work will long live on -- the case of Black v. Patel, merely one of Mike's many victories, is found in my own casebook on South Carolina Real Estate Transactions: Cases and Materials at page 535, and I have the true honor to teach this case every Fall in my Real Estate Transactions class at the Charleston School of Law, where I now teach.

With the kindest possible personal regards, I remain,

Very truly yours,


Stephen A Spitz
Former Associate Professor of Law
at University of South Carolina Law School & Currently Professor of Law at the Charleston School of Law

Mike Medlin

April 20, 2012

Mike Church was a dear friend when we were growing up in Surf City, NC. We wern't close in our adult years but we spent many days surfing beside Surf City Fishing Pier with Ronny, Jimbo, Yogi and Flipper. God Bless You, Mike. You will be missed.

Deborah Lewis

April 19, 2012

Mike was my law school buddy and partner in moot court competitions. I thought he was the greatest! We had so much fun working on those presentations. Sadly it has been many years since I saw him last. But it was at his office at Turner Padgett and he was on the cutting edge of technology and VERY proud of it. Will never forget him. Condolences to his family. Peace and love to you Mike. USC Law '81

Eddye Lane

April 19, 2012

Mike Church was an avid advocate for his clients. I was always on the other side but he was always a gentleman and very courteous in our dealings.

Tom Falls

April 19, 2012

Mike and I were law school class mates and although our paths did not often cross, it was always a joy to see him. I am saddened by his loss and pray that God will comfort and strengthen his family during this difficult time.

Donnell Jennings

April 19, 2012

Mike was one of the smartest and brilliant attorneys I've met in my 24 years of practicing law. He was a loyal and great friend. When I first joined Turner Padget, Mike befriended me and acted as a mentor. Every evening at 6 or so, we would meet (with Randall in tow) and try to solve the problems of the times. I really missed him when he left Turner Padget. My life is so much better and enhanced by knowing Mike. BJ and Randall hang in there. You may not be able to see or touch Mike but he will always be with you. God bless Mike.

Michelle Vieira

April 19, 2012

I worked with Mike on several bankruptcy matters. Mike was a nice guy and I can't remember a conversation that didn't end with laughter. Mike will be missed-

Derrick Jackson

April 19, 2012

I shared Mike's love of technology and served with him on the committee. He was always warm and friendly. He will be missed.

Bob Wells

April 19, 2012

Mike was a South Carolina Bar member who was a leader in demonstrating the importance of technology to the legal profession. I enjoyed all opportunities to work with him.

Wes Few

April 19, 2012

Mike was a class act in our profession. His civility and competency was exemplary. We did not hesitate to refer cases to him knowing the client would like him and would be well served. He left a great legacy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Dave Maxfield

April 19, 2012

I was very sad to hear of Mike's passing. We co-counseled together on a significant case, and I greatly valued his expertise, good judgment, generosity and friendship. I will miss him.

April 18, 2012

I grew up with Mike nd his Family here on Topsail and I am at a loss for words at His passing .I will never forget him....

Diana Cohen

April 18, 2012

To All of Mike's family, friends & Bar family,

I worked with him at TPG&L and then had the opportunity to work with him later on a pro bono matter. He was a pleasure to be around. Mike will be truly missed and he was certainly a credit to this profession. God bless you all through the coming days.

April 18, 2012

BJ,
You and Randall will reamain in my thoughts and prayers. I was blessed by your sweet spirit each day while interning at Agape.

Shrenda Pelfrey

Jan Stotts

April 18, 2012

May God bless you and your family at this time of loss. BJ and Randall my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Janne Berry Osborne

April 18, 2012

Mike was a real gentleman to work with and a true credit to our profession.

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