Michael Lynn Lampkins

CHILHOWIE, VA

Michael “Mike” Lampkins, 65, of Chilhowie, Virginia, went home to be with the Lord on September 30th, 2025, passing peacefully in his home, surrounded by those who loved him most.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Eulis and Catherine Lampkins. He is survived by his loving wife, Sheila, his daughters Kelsey Hall (Justin) and Brittany Lampkins (Ryan), stepson Cody Rector (Kim) and his grandchildren, his pride and joy, Jerren, Jazmin, Juliette, Luka, Ty, Ada and Bexley, who lovingly called him “Poppa.”

He is also survived by his sisters, Kathy Evans (Dartty) and Connie Dempsey (Johnny), along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Among them were his special friends, Curtis Pennington, Richard Doane, and Eric Doss who faithfully visited each week during his illness. Their time together was not about many words, but about presence, loyalty, and the quiet ease of good company, the kind of friendship that speaks without needing to be said.

Mike was a man whose life was built on loyalty, hard work, laughter, and love. Often described as a man of few words, he lived out his values through action more than speech. For over 40 years, he worked as an excavator, becoming known throughout the community as one of the very best. Contractors trusted him because his skill was unmatched, his precision remarkable, and his pride in a job well done set a standard few could ever reach.

Outside of work, Mike filled his days with simple joys that meant the world to him. He flew an experimental aircraft for many years, enjoyed riding his bike along the Creeper Trail, and could often be found tinkering in his man cave. Saturdays were his favorite, when he and his beloved wife, Sheila, would spend the day “running the roads,” shopping and eating together, a tradition that became part of the rhythm of their life together. He had a playful sense of humor and loved when his daughter, Kelsey, played pranks on him and captured their moments on video. He enjoyed watching them back and reading the comments, always shaking his head with a smile. His loyal miniature schnauzer, Oliver, was never far from his side, and the two shared a special bond that brought him comfort and joy each day.

Still, Mike’s greatest joy was always his family. To his daughters, he might as well have hung the moon. Their bond with him was unshakable, and they often said he was cut from a cloth that simply is not made anymore. A couple years ago, they were able to take him to Disney World, a trip that became a treasured memory. He laughed, joked, and enjoyed every moment, often telling everyone afterward how much happiness that time with his daughters brought him. To be raised and loved by him is the greatest blessing of their lives, and his daughters will carry him in their hearts forever. To know Mike was to love him. He will be remembered as loyal, hardworking, funny, and generous. He would do anything for anyone, and his legacy of love and strength will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him. He will be missed more than words can express. Though our hearts are broken, we rejoice in knowing we will see him again one day, and his family takes comfort in knowing his body is healed and he is rejoicing in Heaven. 

Funeral services will be held at 7:00PM, Thursday, October 2, 2025, from the Bradley’s Funeral Chapel in Chilhowie with Pastor Cody Sturgill officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00PM on Thursday at the funeral chapel. Graveside services will be held at 11:00AM, Friday, at Riverside Cemetery. Family and friends are asked to meet at the funeral chapel at 10:30AM for the procession to the cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Chapel of Chilhowie is serving the Lampkins Family.