Michael Russell Lentz

Michael Russell Lentz

Candler - Michael Russell Lentz, 63, of Candler, North Carolina, passed away on Thursday, February 18, 2021 at 1:16 PM with both sisters at his side in the home where they reside.

Mike was a man of integrity and character. He was kind, loyal, generous, caring and truthful. He was selfless and always wanted to do "the next right thing." He loved all animals and enjoyed dogs, cats, and birds as pets. He loved to fish but reading was his passion. As a child he read the encyclopedia from cover to cover and his family felt he should have been on Jeopardy. With his quick, dry wit, Mike will be remembered as someone who interacted and helped people while putting a smile on everyone's face. He was the owner/operator of Quik Serv Music Company for many years and later was employed by Lowes on Tunnel Road in the plumbing department. (He once told a customer that a toilet seat was dishwasher safe!)

Mike was born on January 25, 1958, the eldest son of DeVere C. Lentz, Jr. and Catherine Hayes Lentz. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Kimberly Dawn Lentz. He is survived by sisters, Suzanne Lentz Wells, Deborah Lentz Myron, and Julie Waldrop Wise (Todd); brothers, B. Todd Lentz (Courtney), S. Mark Lentz, and Chris Thurmond; step-mothers, Carole Lambert Lentz and Brenda Lindsey Wilson; nieces and nephews, Lucy Maria, Liam Zoltan, Penny Ava, Wyatt Langston, Lauren Wise, Devan Wise and Joseph Shively, Jr.; and cousins, Tami Clare (John) and Todd Mendelsohn.

Mike was indeed an inspiration to the end. His wishes were to donate his body to science. He is now resting at Elon University in Elon, North Carolina and considered a "silent teacher." This speaks to how a truly special and deep man Mike was. He will forever be in the hearts and souls of all the family who loved him and we will miss his long "ZZTop" beard, well-worn hat, unique sense of humor, and especially all the fun he put into our lives. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Mike to Elon University, Anatomical Gift Program, 2085 Campus Box, Elon, North Carolina 27244. There will be a memorial service at Elon once they have completed their study.