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Michael Buff Obituary
Raleigh
Michael Howard Buff, 54, of Lincolnton, North Carolina, passed away gently on Wednesday, August 7th, 2013. Mike was a gregarious, big-hearted man with an infectious chuckle and warm wit. Those fortunate enough to have known him will also remember him as articulate, intelligent and dogged in his pursuits.
Mike was preceded in death by his father, Donald R. Buff. He is survived by his wife, Susan of Lincolnton, mother Billie Dean (Cashion) Buff of Lincolnton, sister Kelly (Buff) Barge and husband Rich Barge of Fayetteville, NC, brother Brad Buff and wife Ann of Raleigh, NC and Great Aunt and Uncle Edith and A.J. Lemmond Jr. of Lincolnton. Mike is also survived by 8 nieces and nephews, Joseph, Jacob, Warren, David, Adam, Laura, Joey and Danny, and by his beloved great-niece Charlotte Rose.
Mike was employed for over 30 years with Airgas/National Welders Supply Company and held the position of Vice President Marketing and Strategic Products. In addition to his work, Mike's greatest passions included Appalachian State University football (his Alma Mater), gardening, deep-sea fishing and boating of any kind. He also loved gadgets, tinkering and fixing things. He was always first to lend someone a helping hand.
Mike will be missed by all and remembered in our hearts forever. Funeral Services will be held Sunday, August 11, 3:00 p.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church, 3097 Asbury Church Rd, Lincolnton, NC. The family will greet friends in the church fellowship hall beginning at 1:00 p.m. Sunday. At Mike's request, a celebration of life party will be held this autumn in his honor.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis, 10866 W. Washington Blvd #343, Culver City, CA 90232.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Buff
Gregory Morrison
September 5, 2013
I knew Mike for over 25 years and loved him like a brother which is how he treated everyone. He will be sadly missed!
Charlene Hill
August 19, 2013
I was so fortunate to have known Mike. My family was truely blessed to have had him in our lives. Of course, Mike and Howard were like brothers, so very close. We always had so much fun on the company trips we went on together . I always had wonderful stories to tell after these fun times together, such wonderfull memories. Mike always kept me laughing with the many antics he would get into. Mike was a special guy, very loving, kind, unselfish,and a friend to all he met. God made a wonderfull man when he created Mike. Now our friend no longer has to suffer. Our world has lost a man who loved people, and wanted the best for everyone he knew. Our hearts are heavy, and I will always cherish the memories I have of my friend. He was very,very special to all of us. Charlene Middleton Hill
August 19, 2013
We are sadden to learn of your loss of Mike. We were neighbors of your wonderful family in Raleigh. We send our sincere sympathy. Bill and Jane Pearce
Kelly Buff Barge
August 13, 2013
Thank you all for your posts. We will miss him every day but our hearts will fill with laughter at the memories.
Bob and Becky Boyd
August 12, 2013
Our condolences in the loss of your loved one. It was an honor to have known Mike for thirty years in a working relationship.
David Butts
August 12, 2013
Our families both came to the Raleigh area in the mid-60's, and the Buff family were some of our first great friends. Brad, Kelly and Mike would keep us all entertained, with Mike being the one that would usually keep us laughing. Our deepest sympathies are with you and the family, and we look forward to seeing you guys someday.
Lori Bowen
August 12, 2013
So sorry for your loss.
Carol Capps Berry
August 12, 2013
It broke my heart to hear of Mike's passing. He was my neighborhood side kick. Mike, Ken Beasley, Al Cole, Kemp Sherron the whole gang...we had so many good times together. I'll never forget the Earth Wind & Fire concert and many other times we had. Thank you so much for sharing your life with us. We will always love and remember you. May your family find strength in the days ahead knowing what a wonderful person and friend you were to so many of us. RIP Mike.
August 12, 2013
God bless, will miss hearing your laughter, condolences to Susan & family.
Bryan & Emma
August 12, 2013
You were taken too early,will miss hearing your laugh! God bless and our condolences to Susan & family.
Bryan & Emma
Chuck Beddingfield
August 11, 2013
A fellow Millbrook Wildcat,Appalachian State Mountaineer, and Pi Kappa Phi. Mike was liked and respected by so many. My heart and prayers are with his family and friends.
Sandy Fowler Hurt
August 11, 2013
I worked with Mike in recent years at Airgas/National Welders. I can see his infectious smile and those arms out reached to give that Southern gentleman's hug. It is hard to imagine the loss to the Buff family and the Airgas family. May you find some comfort in knowing the lives he touched and the memories you have that will not fade. Mike's early passing should remind us to live in the moment as each day is so precious to have and share with others.
Cynthia Dodson
August 11, 2013
Buff, you will be greatly missed.
Kim Carver, Airgas National Carbonation.
August 11, 2013
My prayers go out to the Buff family. May you all find comfort and strength in God!
Carol Astarita
August 11, 2013
My heart is heavy, Losing a friend who was Kind, Gentle, and Caring, it is never easy to say good bye, even though distance kept me from spending much time with you, I enjoyed our cooper trips and NYC fun times. I pray that you a another angle to watch over us and stay in our hearts and memories forever
Tim Gregg
August 11, 2013
It was an honor to have worked with Mike. My heartfelt sympathies to his family, friends and co-workers. Mike will be missed
Joe, Sheryl £ Joey Redmond
August 11, 2013
"Mister Mike" as we so affectionately remember him. We were so blessed to have him and his lovely wife Susan as our neighbors in Denver. Mike and our toddler son at the time were the best of playmates and we remained friends throughout the years. We were fortunate enough to have known Mike and have a lot of wonderful memories and fun times. He was the kindest most genuine person you could ever meet and would always put a smile on your face. He was taken way too soon and will remain in our hearts forever. Our condolences to his family.
Shannon (Crowson) Reichley
August 11, 2013
The life of the party, and a guy with a big heart.That's how I will always remember Mike (or Teddy Bear as we sometimes called him) at Millbrook High School. He was a great friend, and I am so sad to hear of his passing. My prayers for his family and MANY friends. We were lucky to know him.
Susan, Jeff & Corey Payne
August 11, 2013
The Payne family sure will miss Buff & his thoughtful, funny ways. Rest in Peace.
August 10, 2013
Buff, I only hope that you know how special you were to my family. My children adored you, I admired you and cherished your wisdom of farming a passion we shared. Most importantly the friend that you were to my husband who loved you so much! You were truly one of a kind and heaven is a better place with your presence. RIP my friend!
David Beddingfield
August 10, 2013
My thoughts and prayers to the Buff family
Tim Pfenning
August 10, 2013
Mike truly was a genuine person. He never met a stranger and made anyone feel welcome. It brings a smile to wonder what gadgets Mike and "D.R." are tinkering with now. Rest in peace "Ted".
Chuck and Diane Whisnant
August 10, 2013
Mike was our neighbor in Denver and a truly joyous and loving person to everyone he encountered. We feel honored to have enjoyed life next to him for a few years. Oh what good times we had and the smiles and laughs he brought into our lives literally every time we were together. He has been missed in our neighborhood for several years but the memories of his spirit and his love for life is something we can all learn from and hold onto forever. We will all miss him so much and we pray for peace of the heavy hearts he has left behind.
Eddie Glasscock
August 10, 2013
Mike was my bud in high school; he played guard & I played tackle beside him on the football team. He is a great guy! I was so sorry to hear about this.
Vinny Neglia
August 10, 2013
Thoughts and prayers to the ANW and Buff families.
Gary Burnette
August 10, 2013
God Bless you Mike we will all miss you. You were a great mentor and friend.
Ken Stafford
August 10, 2013
For over twenty years, Mike's smiling face brought pleasure to me. He enjoyed life and worked hard. His untimely death will bring a sense of loss to all who knew and loved Mike. His friendship meant a great deal to me thus a very real void in my heart.
Kay Gurley Abernethy
August 10, 2013
I was so very sorry to hear about Mike yesterday. I'm even more sorry that I didn't know him better as he was my cousin and he sounded like he was a great guy. Billie Dean, Kelly and Brad, you guys are in my thoughts and prayers today.
Nevin Speicher
August 10, 2013
Rest in peace, Mike. It was a pleasure to know you.
Goldie Caulberg
August 10, 2013
I was so saddened to learn of Mike's passing. My husband and I knew Mike and his parents, Don & Dean, from Brentwood in Raleigh. As a teenager, Mike babysat for our children. Even then Mike always came prepared with games and toys to entertain the children. He was a fine young man and I have no doubt he grew into a loving, valued and respected adult. I offer my prayers and heartfelt condolences to the family.
Jim Cooper
August 10, 2013
Someone once said "The world is a lesser place today...". That is true now. Rest in Peace my friend. All of us need to remember that knowing him was a true pleasure. I hope that will help us thru this. Knowing someone and missing them is the ultimate compliment.
Steve & Diane Terry
August 10, 2013
An ASU tailgate was always better when Mike was in attendance.......he will be missed on many levels.
His family and close friends will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Jane (Richardson) Stroda
August 10, 2013
Dear Bille Dean, Kelly and Brad,
Mom just relayed the news of Mike's passing. I had heard that he was having some health issues. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with each of you and your families at this time of sorrow.
Jim Roscoe
August 10, 2013
I am honored to have known and worked with Mike for many years. My heartfelt sympathies to the family.
Shelley Bolton
August 10, 2013
One of the kindest people I've had the pleasure of knowing at National Welders; he will be sorely missed. My sympathies to his family and the Airgas/National Welders family.
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